Harlan O. Kruger (June 12, 1914~April 19, 2010) Harlan Oliver Kruger was born on June 12, 1914, in Granite Falls, Minnesota, to parents Oliver and Caroline (Bestland) Kruger. He attended school through the 9th grade. Harlan and Evelyn (Stueland) Kruger were united in marriage on December 16, 1945, at Bergen Lutheran Church in Stony Run Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota. They were the parents of six children: Shirley, Wayne, Dennis, Philip, Jeanette and Leisha. Harlan and Evelyn were farmers, first living on a farm near Boyd, Minnesota, and in February of 1953, they moved to their farm near Hanley Falls, Minnesota. They retired in May 1979 and moved to Willmar, Minnesota. He served in the United States Army from April of 1942 to November of 1945, serving in the South Pacific (Philippines and Japan) in World War II for three years. He received awards including: Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two bronze stars and five overseas service bars. Harlan was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar and Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church of Hanley Falls. He served as Chairman of the Hanley Falls School Board, Council Member of Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church and Hanley Falls Co-op Lumber Yard. He enjoyed reading, camping, bowling, playing cards, playing horseshoes, playing pool, going fishing and he enjoyed being at gatherings with family and friends at the Diamond Lake cabin. He kept in shape by walking the Kandi Mall and visiting with his mall friends. Harlan passed away on Monday, April 19, 2010, at Bethesda Pleasant View in Willmar, Minnesota, at the age of 95 years, 10 months and 7 days. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn of Willmar and children: Shirley Flaten of Willmar, Wayne (Christine) of Litchfield, Illinois, Dennis (Dianne) of Clarkfield, Minnesota, Philip (fiance Sandy Draeger) of Chaska, Minnesota, Jeanette Kruger of Willmar, and Leisha Kruger of St. Louis Park, Minnesota. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; and siblings: Verna Johansson and Walter Kruger. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Charles and Son-in-law Raymond Flaten. Harlan O. Kruger Visitation Friday, April 23, 2010 ~ 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church Hanley Falls, Minnesota Funeral Service Friday, April 23, 2010 ~ 11:00 a.m. Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church Hanley Falls, Minnesota Clergy Officiating, Pastor Allan E. Johnson Organist, ZeeAnne Reishus Special Music Susan Nelson, "On Eagles Wings" Walter Kruger, "How Great Thou Art!" Casketbearers (Grandsons) Dustin Kruger ~ Cory Kruger (Nephews) Ken Kruger ~ Bruce Kruger Charles Johansson ~ Don Johansson ~ Jimmy Johansson Final Resting Place East Yellow Medicine Lutheran Cemetery Hanley Falls, Minnesota Military Rites Hanley Falls American Legion Anderson-Bestland Post 127 Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota