Frederick Harker

Frederick Weese Harker, 82, resident of Frazee, MN, died peacefully Tuesday, September 22, 2009 in the Frazee Care Center and under care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Fred was born January 4, 1927 in Evanston, IL, the youngest of five brothers. He graduated from Lawrence University, Appleton, WI where he met Susan Edwards. They were united in marriage in 1951. Fred received officer training at the Merchant Marine Academy and saw duty in the Pacific. He also served in the Army during the Korean War. Fred worked for Chase Bag (now International Paper Corp) for 42 years. He began his career in sales in Minneapolis and then moved to Deerfield, IL to take a management position in the company’s Chicago office. In 1973, he returned to a sales role when he and his family moved to Frazee, MN. He became active in a number of organizations, serving on the Deerfield and Frazee school boards and hosting several foreign exchange students through AFS. He was instrumental in bringing Young Life to the lakes area. He established the Wymer Lake Association, and later became a member of the Otter Tail County Planning Commission. Fred volunteered with Neighbor to Neighbor. He enjoyed music, especially jazz and sang in church choirs.

Fred was truly an outstanding man whose life reflected his Christian faith and practice. He loved life and was an “eternal optimist”. Fred was first a “family man”. An exemplary husband, father and grandfather, he most enjoyed spending time with his family, especially at the lake. He loved children, and many became part of the Harker extended family over the years. He had a genuine gift for hospitality and service and always made others feel welcome with his winsome smile, warm handshake and encouraging word.

Fred will be remembered and deeply missed by his loving wife of 58 years, Susan of Frazee, his children; Kerry (John) Hainze of Whitefish Bay, WI, Sara (Dave) Olson of Mahtomedi, MN, Polly (Paul) Smith of Fargo, ND, Lucy (Dave) Spaeth of West Fargo, ND and son-in-law Dave VanDerveer of Edwards, CO. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren as well as a special loving family friend, Mary Olson.

Fred is preceded in death by his daughter Kate VanDerveer.

The Harker family is forever grateful and deeply appreciative of the staff at the Frazee Care Center for their outstanding care and support.

Fred’s Funeral Service is pending.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Fred’s name to: Young Life, P.O. Box 970, Detroit Lakes, MN 56502