Harlan Johnsrud, 88

Harlan Leroy Johnsrud, 88, passed away peacefully in his home on December 5, 2023 surrounded by family after a battle with cancer.

Harlan was born May 8, 1935 to Leve and Harold Johnsrud. He and his two brothers grew up on a farm in Spring Grove, Minnesota where his love of agriculture started. He attended the University of Minnesota graduating with a BS in Agricultural Education and Masters in Soil Science with a minor in Agricultural Economics. He had an academic rank of Associate Professor that he didn’t often share due to his humble nature. The farming / agricultural community was very important to him which was apparent by his careers as Mower County Agricultural Extension Agent and Crop Insurance Adjuster. He was a member of the Mower County 4H Hall of Fame. He was also very active in the Cattlemen’s Association and American Dairy Association. He represented the Austin Chamber of Commerce on the Agriculture Committee and was instrumental in bringing soil conservation to Faribault and Mower County.

Harlan loved family and people and never missed an opportunity to try something new or drive down a new country back road. He loved hockey. He attended almost all of the home Bruins Hockey games and loved watching his nephews and grandchildren play hockey. His love of music showed in his ability to play a number of musical instruments by ear and dancing to polka music with his loving wife at every one of his children’s and grandchildren’s weddings.

He was a kid at heart which was most obvious when he was pulling one of his numerous pranks or when you would see him flying his drones and RC airplanes. Fishing was also a passion of his and he enjoyed fishing anywhere he could – trout fishing streams, fishing the Pierre, SD reservoir, the Mississippi River and most recently this past summer catching a keeper bass in Northern Minnesota. He lived life well and never let his age be a factor which was apparent when he ziplined at the age of 86 with some family members in Branson, Missouri.

Most importantly, he had a strong faith in Jesus. His Christianity showed in how he lived his life. He was quick to forgive and prayed daily for so many. He was humble. He was kind. He was caring. He truly treated people how he would like to be treated. He attended church, read his bible, and loved and appreciated his church family. We will miss him. We do miss him. It brings us great peace and comfort knowing, without a doubt, that he is in Heaven, and we will see him again.

Harlan leaves behind his wife, Sandra of 50 years, his 5 children; Lisa Wolvington (Dave), Scott Johnsrud (Laura), LeAnne Lenz (Dave), Sarah Ronning, Kari Stepp (Chris); 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Enid Mallory; his parents; Harold and Leve Johnsrud, his brothers; Stephen and Howard Johnsrud and his grandson, Jarrett Wolvington.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, December 15th at Faith Church with the Reverend Mike Sager officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 10 am until the time of the service with a luncheon to follow. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery.

Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.