Harlan Anderson

Harlan Anderson, 96, of Alvarado, MN, passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2020 at Edgewood Vista in East Grand Forks, MN.

Harlan Glenwood Anderson was born on April 6, 1923, to Oscar and Emma (Moseid) Anderson, on the family farm in Higdem Township, Polk County, MN. The youngest of four children, he worked the land with his dad and loved farming his whole life. World War II broke out after Harlan’s graduation from Alvarado High School. Because the government knew that the crucial work of farming required some sons to remain available to work the land, Harlan stayed on the farm while his brother Wallace enlisted. In 1948, he moved into Alvarado proper, and into a house that he and his father built on Parral Avenue. Harlan loved his home town, where many of his friends knew him as “Little Andy."

As the years passed, Harlan grew the farm and was very successful, eventually owning 640 acres of prime Red River Valley land, of which he was very proud. He raised grains and sugar beets and served for a number of years as the president of the local elevator. He was a devoted member of New Hope Lutheran Church and was always careful to conduct as much of his business as he could “in town.” He kept up closely with his many nieces and nephews and his “second family,” the Haugens, were especially important. His longtime companion and friend, Ruth Haugen, was a great blessing over the years.

He enjoyed golfing, investing, fishing, and following the Twins and Vikings. Harlan was a member of the Alvarado Lion's Club for decades; dutifully wearing his Lion's hat while at Edgewood Vista during the last four-plus years of his life. Harlan will be greatly missed and fondly remembered as an Alvarado fixture, cigar in-hand, to the many he leaves behind.

He is survived by his sister-in-law, Norma Anderson of Eden Prairie, MN; eight nieces and nephews and their families; Ruth Haugen's niece, Kim and the extended Haugen family; and other friends too numerous to name.

Harlan was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Hjordys (Art) Knutson, Arlys (Hal) O'Neal, and Wallace Anderson; niece, Sheila Anderson; and nephew, David Knutson.

The family would like to thank Kim Haugen, Bob Iverson, and the Staff at Edgewood Vista for all the care they gave Uncle Harlan.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday, March 7, 2020, at 10:30 AM, in New Hope Lutheran Church, Alvarado, MN.
VISITATION: One hour prior, at the church.
INTERMENT: Oak Lawn Cemetery, Alvarado, MN.