Arlen Harstad

Arlen B. Harstad, 80, Detroit Lakes, MN, formerly of Rogers, ND, died Saturday, December 5 at Innovis Health in Fargo, ND. Funeral services will be 1:00 PM, Thursday, December 10 at the Community Alliance Church in Detroit Lakes, Reverend Joel Arndt, officiating. Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery with Military Rites provided by the Lake Region Color Guard.

Friends may call Wednesday from 4:00 – 8:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the David-Donehower Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes. The visitation will continue at the church 1 hour prior to the service on Thursday.

Arlen Benham Harstad was born December 15, 1928 in Valley City, ND to Clifford and Marie (Benham) Harstad. He was raised near Rogers, ND and was a 1946 graduate of Rogers High School.  Following graduation, he farmed near Rogers. He served with the United States Marines 1951 – 1953. Arlen was united in marriage to Lois Anderson in Detroit Lakes, MN, October 15, 1953. They farmed near Rogers until moving to Ogema, MN in 1964, to Callaway, MN in 1965 and came to Detroit Lakes in 1973. Arlen drove truck for Tomlinson Lumber Company and later owned and operated Harstad Trucking, retiring in 1997.

Arlen enjoyed spending time with his grand and great grandchildren, farming, trucking, seeing the countryside, going to Branson, MO and his coffee groups.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Lois of Detroit Lakes; children: Cindy (Robert) St. Claire of Richwood, MN, David (Peggy) Harstad, Daniel (Heidi) Harstad and Gail (Steve) Wiebolt all of Detroit Lakes; a daughter-in-law, Wendy Harstad of Callaway, MN; 15 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; two brothers: Darrel Harstad of Valley City, ND and Kenneth (Janice) Harstad of Rogers, ND. He was preceded in death by four sons: Arthur, Glen, Steve, Kim; and a granddaughter, Sally Harstad.