Harlowe Sundem

Harlowe O. Sundem, age 94, of Brandon, SD formerly of Garretson, SD, passed away at the Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD on Thursday, April 6, 2023.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at Palisades Lutheran Church, Garretson, Rock County, MN with Pastor Mark Eliason officiating.  Burial with military honors will follow at Palisades Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation with family present will be from 5 to 7 PM on Monday, April 10, 2023, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home in Garretson, SD.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be directed to the Palisades Cemetery Association and the Henry G. Fix American Legion Post 23.

Harlowe Sundem was born May 22, 1928 near Beaver Creek, MN to Henry and Elise (Lien) Sundem.  Later the family moved to a farm west of Hills, MN.  While attending Hills Public School, Harlowe interrupted his high school education to help on the family farm.  It was also during this time that he met the gal who lived down the road.

Harlowe and LaVane (Stoltenberg) were married on March 11, 1950, in Hills, MN.  After their marriage, they lived on a farm near Garretson.  In 1952, he was called to active duty by the U. S. Army and spent 18 months in Austria during the Korean War.  Upon his return in 1954, they moved to the farm southeast of Garretson.

Harlowe was dedicated to farming and did so until he was 80 years old.  With a diversified operation, he was known for holstein steers in the feedlot, milking dairy cattle and visiting with neighbors.  In his free time, Harlowe enjoyed playing a good game of cards, fishing or hunting, and hitting the softball for his children to chase down.  Spending time with his granddaughter was an extra special treat.

Following the years of hard work, Harlowe treasured the opportunity to revitalize two-cylinder tractors, green or red.  Have golf cart will travel.  He was off to enjoy the area threshing events and recalling memories of his younger days.  Harlowe and LaVane continued to live on the farm until 2011 when they moved to Brandon.

Beyond farming, Harlowe was also involved in the community.  Harlowe was a member of Palisade Lutheran Church, where he fulfilled various positions on the church council.  He also served as the secretary/treasurer for the Palisade Cemetery Association for many years.  In addition, Harlowe was on the Garretson Elevator Board and a DeKalb seed dealer.  He was a lifetime member of the Henry G. Fix American Legion Post #23, serving as Post Commander and a member of the Firing Squad.  One highlight for Harlowe was participating in the May 2019 Midwest Honor Flight.  Being a veteran and supporting veterans was most important to him.

In his later years, Harlowe liked a good ‘hot’ cup of coffee and a treat to go with it; visiting with family and friends; and road trips to check the crops.  There was also time to watch the Minnesota Twins, NASCAR races and westerns.

Harlowe passed away at the Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD on Thursday, April 6, 2023, at the age of 94.

Harlowe is survived by his daughter, Deb Sundem of Watertown, SD; granddaughter, Kari (Brian) Allen of Edina, MN and great-grandson, Christopher Allen also of Edina; brother, Richard Sundem of Sioux Falls, SD; sister, Mary Steenstra of Pipestone, MN; brother, Orval (Bonnie) Sundem of Hills, MN; sisters-in-law, Marcie Stoltenberg of Brandon, SD and Florence Stoltenberg of Sioux Falls, SD; nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Elise Sundem; wife, LaVane Sundem; son, H. Wayne Sundem; sister, Doris Dooyema; brothers-in-law, Floyd Steenstra, Dewey Dooyema, Daryl Stoltenberg, Dale Stoltenberg, Delbert Stoltenberg, Delmar Stoltenberg, Dean Stoltenberg; sisters-in-law, Marianne Stoltenberg, Georgine Stoltenberg and Carol Sundem.

What a great life to be celebrated!