Harlowe E. Ortenblad

Harlowe Ortenblad, age 87, of Willmar, died Wednesday, September 2, at Carris Health Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.

A private graveside service was held at Clover Leaf Memorial Park in Willmar.

Harlowe Emmanuel Ortenblad was born September 15, 1932, on a farm near Murdock, Minnesota, the son of Erick and Ella (Edberg) Ortenblad.  He attended country school through 8th grade, then went to school in Murdock, and later graduated from Willmar High School.  He married his school sweetheart, Jean Anderson, on July 14, 1951.  A daughter, Katherine, and a son, Kevin, were born to their marriage.  Harlowe farmed for a short time before joining the US Navy in 1952.  Following their marriage, they farmed for 1 ½ years before moving to San Diego while Harlowe served in the United States Navy. They lived in San Diego for just about 2 years before moving to Tacoma, Washington and then returned to San Diego. After Harlowe’s discharge in November of 1956, they moved to Willmar where they settled and Harlowe joined his father-in-law’s construction business.

Harlowe was a former member of First Baptist Church in Willmar and a current member of First Covenant Church.  He was also a member of the American Legion, AARP, and Operating Engineers #49.  He and Jean wintered in Arizona and Florida for many years.  They also enjoyed traveling and especially enjoyed going up north to see the fall colors and to Branson and Opryland.

Harlowe is survived by his two children, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Jean in 2012; and his siblings.

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