Elmer Mylon “Sonny” Harland, 93, of Harmony, Minn., died Friday, October 9 at Harmony Place in Harmony.
Sonny was born June 18, 1933, in Canton, Township, Fillmore County, Minn. to Elmer and Mabel (Soland) Harland.
Sonny’s life can be described in four words: faith, family, farming and fun.
Sonny was baptized and confirmed at Henrytown Lutheran Church in rural Harmony where he was a lifelong member. Sonny served the church in several capacities throughout his life, including congregational president and was a long-term member of the cemetery board.
Sonny attended rural school in Henrytown and graduated from Harmony High School in 1951.
On September 26, 1953, Sonny was united in marriage with Donna Mae Leone Pierce. They were blessed with three children: Janelle, Curtis and Douglas.
Following the devastating loss of his daughter and later the loss of his wife, Donna, Sonny found love again with Carol Stevens-Rosendahl. They were married October 7, 2000, at Henrytown Lutheran Church and celebrated their 26th anniversary shortly before his death. This union expanded the family to include two loving step-children and their families.
Sonny was incredibly proud of the Harland family farm, which has existed over 150 years. Sonny operated the farm his entire life.
Sonny was devoted to both his immediate and extended family, providing unconditional love and support to all.
Sonny established lifelong friendships in the Canton and Harmony area.
In their early years, Sonny and Donna enjoyed dancing, roller skating, bowling, traveling and card club. Sonny and Carol truly enjoyed their two trips to Norway along with other trips to visit family, fishing, dancing, music, their trips to “the boat” to gamble, and continued their card games until the end. Sonny enjoyed annual deer hunting season with his son, grandsons, brother-in-law, nephews and great-nephews.
Sonny is survived by his devoted wife, Carol; his sons Curtis (Lori) Harland and Douglas (Julie) Harland, his step-children Darcy (Becky) Rosendahl and Melissa (Charlie McMaster) Rosendahl, grandchildren Cody Harland, Tyler (Hailey) Harland, Jordan (Emily) Harland, Autumn (Spencer) Pedersen, Bradley (Melissa) Moeller, Nicholas (Lauren) Moeller, Katie (Phil Rizzio) Moeller, Camryn (Fiancé Brandon Hagel) Harland, Jacob (Lindsay) Bolson, Alex Bolson, Dustin Rosendahl, and Caleb (Alacia) Rosendahl; and great-grandchildren Ella, Eva, Jaxon, Charlotte, Layne, Ellena, Audrey, Nora, Rowyn, Alarik, Ada, Samuel, Hannah, Jack, Kadence and Primm.
He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Irene, wife Donna, and daughter Janelle.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, October 17 at the Henrytown Lutheran Church in rural Harmony. Visitation will be 9–11 a.m. prior to the service at the church. The Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements.
The family would like to thank Harmony Place for their care the last two and a half years and St. Croix Hospice who professionally and graciously cared for Sonny until his death.
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