James T. Harstad, 91, of Harmony, passed away peacefully Sunday, November 6 at his residence.
Jim was born in Harmony township on September 6, 1925 to James T. and Myrtle (Quammen) Harstad. He graduated from Harmony High School in 1943. On December 28, 1952, he and Harriet Eickhoff were united in marriage at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wykoff. Jim and Harriet raised a family of four and farmed together until their retirement. Jim enjoyed reading, traveling with Harriet, fishing, playing cards and great conversations, while his family and others enjoyed his story telling and knowledge of current events. Jim was also a lifelong member of Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony, Minn.
He is survived by his wife, Harriet of 63 years, son James (Polly) Harstad of Harmony, Minn.; Mary (Joel) Nitschke of San Diego, Calif.; Rachel Lucey of Rochester, Minn.; and Ruth Peck (Louis Kopsidas) of Rochester, Minn. He is also survived by ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Blaine and Bruce Harstad.
We would like to thank everyone who cared for, loved, and had one of those good conversations with Jim. Your kind and thoughtful words and actions touched his life more than you will ever know.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 12 at 11:30 a.m. at Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony, Minn. Visitation will be at the church prior to the service starting at 10 a.m.
Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield is assisting the family with arrangements. To share a condolence with the family, please visit www.rileyfuneralhomes.com.