Willard J. Haarstick, 88, Vergas, MN

1918 - 2006

Willard Haarstick

Willard J. Haarstick, 88, of Vergas, died Thursday, Dec. 14, 2006, at Innovis Health, Fargo.

He was born April 24, 1918, on the family farm near Fergus Falls, the son of W.B. and Flora (Backstrom) Haarstick. He attended School District 17. He then worked as an electrician’s helper until he was drafted into the U.S. Army on March 25, 1941.

Willard was stationed at Camp Bowie in Texas and was a member of the 113th Calvary Unit, which was the last horse unit during World War II. He served in the European Theatre of operations. He served in Normandy in June of 1944 and was involved in the Battle of the Bulge in northern France, Rhineland and central Europe. He worked as a telecommunication operator under Colonel Biddle.

Following his honorable discharge from the service on Oct. 30, 1945, Willard returned to the family farm and on Sept. 22, 1946, he married Arlene Knutson at Central Lutheran Church in rural Pelican Rapids. He farmed most of his life and also operated Vergas Ford for a short time with his two sons. Willard retired from farming in 2002 and moved into Vergas.

He was a member at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church-Loon Lake and was an active member. He also was a member of the VFW Post 7702 in Frazee.

He is survived by his wife, Arlene of Vergas; a daughter, Dianne Rogness of Bolingbrook, Ill.; two sons, Dean (Karen) of Vergas and Daryl (Sharon) of Vergas; 12 grandchildren: Tracy Ercoli, Tony, David Jr., Jonathan, Daniel, Justin and Zachary Rogness, Paul, Jeffrey, Mark and Thomas Haarstick and Kimberly Simmons; four great-grandchildren: Andre and Antonio Martinez, Nathaniel Rogness and Anthony Ercoli; two brothers, Vernon (Bernice) and Floyd, both of Erhard; two sisters, Evelyn Haarstick and Lorraine Ohe. both of Pelican Rapids; a sister-in-law, Laura Haarstick; and many nephews, nieces and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Everett “Sonny” and Gordon; and a sister, Irene Haarstick.

The family cherishes the time they had with a wonderful husband and loving father and grandfather.

Visitation: Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. in the church and one hour prior to the service
Service: 2 p.m. Tuesday in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church-Loon Lake, Vergas
Clergy: Rev. Robert Hinckley
Burial: Church cemetery
Funeral home: Furey Funeral Home, Vergas