June 14, 2013
Harlan Varberg
Harlan “Harley” Varberg, 78, Minot, ND, passed away June 14, 2013, at The Summit Memory Care Facility in Mesa, AZ, following a hard fought battle with dementia.
Harlan Darrell “Harley” Varberg was born November 6, 1934, the son of Orvan and Helen (Novak) Varberg, in Minot, ND. He was raised on a farm north of Minot and attended Eureka Township School and Minot High School, graduated in 1953. Harley was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Minot. While in high school, he was a member of the FFA.
Following his high school graduation, he worked at Adam’s Standard in Minot and did custom harvesting for a time. He eventually bought some land in the Ryder area in the late 1960s, where he farmed small grains. In 1987, he bought a farmstead located in Freedom Township of Ward County, near South Prairie, ND, where he also farmed.
Harley married Joan Primeau January 15, 1988. They made their home on the farm in the South Prairie area, where he farmed until retirement. He also enjoyed spending time with his constant companion dog, Pistol. Pistol put in every hour in the tractor, combine, or truck with Harley. Harley retired from farming at age 63. Following his retirement, he and Joan spent time at their lake cabin at Garrison Creek Cabin Site on Lake Sakakawea, where they enjoyed fishing. They also enjoyed attending auctions. During this time, they wintered in Mesa, Arizona. Even with the diagnosis of Dementia, he wanted to return to Mesa. In January of 2013, they celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary.
Harley always had time to give a helping hand or a piece of advice. He loved to go to family gatherings and see all the nieces and nephews. He was an avid fisherman who loved to snowmobile and hunt, as he went on Elk hunts in Montana with his brothers and brothers-in-law. He also enjoyed playing pool competitively. He was with the same team for over twenty years. He was a member of the Eagles Aerie and the Western Fraternal Life Association.
His loving family includes: wife of 25 years, Joan, Minot; sister, Marlene (Don) Roen, Douglas, ND; sister-in-law, Jeanette Varberg, Minot; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Harley was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Orvan Jr., and Lowell Varberg; sisters, Betty Jo Lawley.
Memorial Service was held on Tuesday, July 9, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, Minot. Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.