Richard Haarstad

Richard John Haarstad, 90, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Thursday, November 5, 2009, at the Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls.  He was born November 26, 1918, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and grew up in Aastad Township. He graduated from Fergus Falls High School. Mr. Haarstad served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the South Pacific, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant, and also trained soldiers in Texas.  On November 7, 1950, he married Louise Huelsman in Foxhome, Minnesota. The couple lived in Fergus Falls, where he was a mail carrier for 26 years, and also repaired televisions, stereos, etc. in his home. His wife died in 1998. Richard enjoyed photography, working in his TV repair shop, and trips with his family out west, and in his later years TV, radio, crossword puzzles, and talking to his many children and grandchildren. He was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE). Preceding him in death were his wife, an infant sister, and his brother, Peter. Survivors include his six children: John Haarstad, Merritt Island, FL, Elaine (Robert) Lee, Hilton Head Island, SC, Michael Haarstad, Dalton, MN, Faith (John) Close, Mankato, MN, Pat Haarstad, Underwood, MN, and Maryann (Edwin) Cardenas, St. Louis Park, MN; 19 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service, and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Mass of Christian Burial: 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 11, 2009, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fergus Falls Officiant: Father Greg Paffel Interment: St. Otto’s Cemetery in Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com