Harlan Henry Harrison

December 23, 1936 - July 2, 2026 ROSEVILLE, MINNESOTA, USA - Harlan Henry Harrison (89) passed away peacefully, with his loving wife of 66 years by his side, on July 2nd, 2026 at Amira Choice Roseville. He was born to Gerald Harrison and Viola Besterfeldt in Spring Valley, Minnesota. We remember Harlan most for his kindness, devotion to family, sense of humor, ability to fix or learn anything; a quiet man with a keen power of observation. Harlan is survived by his beloved wife Magdalen (Madeline) Steines Harrison; daughter Thea (Kais) Fennira; sons Matt (Randi) Harrison, and Rich Harrison; grandchildren Dan (Carly) Harrison, Greg (Meagan) Harrison, Michael (Taylor) Harrison, and Chris (Brittany) Harrison; great-grandchildren Nolan, Aiden, Kaitlyn, Isabella, and Matthew; nieces, nephews, sister-in-law Patricia DesJardins, other relatives, and friends in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Washington, Norway, and beyond. He loves to travel, and they kept in touch visiting friends and family near and far, traversing the globe. He is now on an ultimate trip. He was preceded in death by his parents Gerald and Viola Harrison; stepfather Russell Delaney; brother Ron (Vonnie) Harrison; sisters Beverley (Bob) Kingen, Jeri (Laverne) Kamp, Mary (Wayne) Gilbertson; and brother Bob (Pat) Harrison; along with many brothers-in-law, a sister-in-law, and several nieces and nephews. Harlan is a native of Minnesota who worked as a paper boy, bowling pin setter, at the local electronics shop, and radio station. After graduating from high school he enlisted in the Air Force at age 17. He served four years, including two years in Anchorage, Alaska, spending much time working in the Aleutian Islands - a period so meaningful to him that he often shared stories about it. Upon his return Harlan worked for Philco installing and repairing radio frequency communications equipment, a skill sparked in childhood and honed in military service. He married Madeline in Adams on September 5th, 1959 and at the same church they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. After the wedding, they moved with each of his job assignments until a project in Morocco came up - but spouses were not welcome to accompany. When he was offered a technical writer position in Philadelphia instead, the newlyweds decided it was time to venture out on their own. They loaded up the car in Minnesota, bid fond farewells to family, and considered setting out for California to explore options there. Knowing of Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, he ended up interviewing and was hired as a lab technician. The years evolved into configuration management, going from pen, paper forms, and graph paper to computerized systems. He purchased a home computer to learn and practice at home, becoming proficient enough to keep pace at work despite the steep learning curve. Finally prayers were answered and Harlan and Madeline were gifted with children after moving to Marion, Iowa, and enjoyed more adventures living in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and New Brighton, Minnesota. In 2024, they moved to Amira Choice Roseville, where he passed. Life interests: Making Madeline happy through travel, playing bridge, square dancing, building and enhancing home improvements, being the neighborhood fix-it man, shoveling snow each year of his life until he couldn't, garden prep, reading, putting together puzzles, being playful and ever lightening the mood. Harlan will be remembered as a devoted husband and father. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and through the kindness he demonstrated in most encounters. Pass it on. A mass will be held on July 15th, 2026 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church located at 835 2nd Ave. in New Brighton, MN 55112 at 11:00 a.m. Central time, with a reception to follow after church. Visitation is one hour before the service, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. All are welcome to join any portion. The service will be live streamed for those who wish to attend and cannot be there in person. Here is the link - https://youtube.com/live/uUCrNdO4gl0?feature=share Interment will follow Lunch, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church cemetery. Harlan's family is grateful for the opportunities, care and friendship offered to him throughout life. Special thanks to Amira Choice Roseville and Optage Hospice who provided Harlan with excellent care in his final years. We encourage you to celebrate him with us in person, or in spirit, as you wish. In lieu of flowers, donation suggestions in Harlan's name: a dementia research organization or a veterans' support organization of your choice.