Allen Haarstick

Allen Haarstick was born October 7, 1919 in Erhard, Minnesota, the son of Henry and Ottillie (Vigen) Haarstick. Allen was baptized and confirmed at Bagstevold Lutheran Church near Erhard. He attended district #17 near Erhard. On October 20, 1944 Allen was united in marriage to Laverne Sleen at the Ringsaker parsonage in Pelican Rapids. Allen hauled milk for the Erhard creamery for 14 years. He then owned and operated his own cattle-hauling business. Allen also worked for Park Region Cooperative in Pelican Rapids for numerous years delivering fuel oil and propane.Allen enjoyed trapping gophers in his free time. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Erhard. Allen was a former member of the district #278 school board. He served as the sexton for Bagstevold Cemetery for many years and also was a member of the Bagstevold Cemetery board. Allen and Harlan Knutson were grave diggers for several cemeteries, digging graves by hand for several years. On Sunday, March 16, 2008, Allen died at his home in Erhard at the age of 88.Allen is survived by his wife, Laverne Haarstick of Erhard; son, Arlen (Sadie) Haarstick, Erhard; grandchildren: Troy (Teresa) Haarstick, Tracy (Tom) Holmes, Todd (Amiee) Haarstick, and Tory Haarstick; great-grandchildren: Joshua Holmes, Sarah Holmes, Lana and Tyler Haarstick, Amber, Heather, Alyssa, and Jason Haarstick and Zachary Albright; a great-great-grandson, Izic Albright; sister, MaryAnn Swenson, Pelican Rapids; and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his 5 sisters: Frances, Gladys, Hazel, Esmer and June; and brother, Benhard.Blessed be the memory of Allen Haarstick.