Harlan Schuneman Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Harlan Schuneman December 29,1928 Harlan was born December 29, 1928 and raised in the loving arms of Carl (Charlie) Schuneman and Clara (Roth) Schuneman on a farm in Belle River Twp., MN. He had three brothers and two sisters. He is preceded in death by George (Irene Tvrdik) Schuneman and Richard (Gloria) Schuneman. His remaining brother, Merle (Barbara) Schuneman, as well as his two sisters Dorothy (Robert) Pederson and Eleanor (Dean) Yohnke still reside in the Belle River and Miltona area. Carl Schuneman died in 1944, leaving Harlan and his siblings to continue the work on the farm with the help of his uncle. Harlan?s mother remained on the farm and cared for the family. Harlan graduated from Alexandria High School in 1947. After graduation, he maintained the family farm with his brothers while they finished their high school degrees. Harlan was then drafted and served in the United States Army from January of 1952 to December of 1953. After basic training in California, he was sent to Korea where he served with the 40th Infantry Division at Division Headquarters. He obtained the rank of SFC in Korea. He was fortunate enough to witness the end of the war and heard the noticeable silence when artillery fire stopped. Upon returning home, Harlan restarted his work on the farm while his younger brothers took their turn serving in the army. Again, fortune smiled on the family and brought the brothers home safely. Even after Harlan started work in the bank in Carlos, the family continued farming together for a number of years. Harlan married Lillian Tonn on July 13, 1963. They made a lifelong home in Carlos, MN. The marriage was blessed with four children and six grandchildren. They are Rebecca (Kevin) Ritter, Bismarck, ND and children Lauren and Katie; Debra (Ron) Carlson and children Amy and Dan; Rachel Schuneman (Yang Koua) Lo, Sartell, MN and children Sydney and Ian; Dave Schuneman (Tom Hawley) of Coon Rapids, MN. Among his many services to his community, Harlan was a member of Carlos Fire Department for 30 years, treasurer of the City of Carlos for 35 years, member of the Carlos Commercial Club, served as Santa?s Helper for many years in Carlos and Miltona, member of the Carlos Developers and Carlos Housing and managed their apartment building for a number of years, member of the American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. As a result of Harlan?s years of service to the Carlos Lions Club, his family was presented with the ?Melvin Jones Award?, which is the most prestigious recognition given to Lion Clubs? members. After leaving the bank, Harlan purchased an insurance agency, which he operated from his home until he retired. Harlan and Lillian were formerly members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Carlos where he served on various boards and offices and more recently members of First Lutheran Church of Alexandria. One of his favorite activities was teaching Sunday School. Whether it is putting worms on hooks, feeding cattle, or building fences, he enjoyed activities with his grandchildren. In the end, Harlan had a wonderfully relaxing retirement with his wife, Lillian. He thoroughly loved their many small trips and vacations. His time of role modeling for his children, grandchildren, and his community came to an end when he was diagnosed with lung cancer and died from it?s complications on Thursday, June 18, 2009 at the age of 80. Harlan will be sorely missed by his family, church, and community. A funeral service was held on Monday, June 22, 2009 at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Reverend Sherry Billberg officiating. Interment was held in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Carlos, MN.