Harlan John Krattenmaker was born May 29, 1924, in Swift County, Minnesota, the son of Val and Adeline (Bridel) Krattenmaker. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Bridgets Catholic Church in DeGraff. He grew up in the Benson and De Graff areas and attended Benson High School through the tenth grade. On June 18, 1947, Harlan was united in marriage to Delores Marie Mellgren at St. Bridgets Catholic Church in DeGraff. This union was blessed with three daughters and 57 years of marriage. Delores passed away in 2005. Harley was a dedicated employee of almost 40 years at Haug Implement Company, serving four generations of Haug management. After retirement, he drove school bus and was custodian at the Kerkhoven Civic Center. He served as a volunteer fireman and retired from the Kerkhoven Fire Department. Described by his family, Harlan was humble, loyal, dedicated, honest and he loved his family more than life itself. He enjoyed woodworking, his neighbors, and he could fix anything. Harlan was called from this life on Saturday, July 31, 2010 at the Glen Oaks Care Center in New London. He attained the age of 86 years, 2 months and two days. Harlan is survived by his daughters: Darlene (John) Loven of Paynesville, Denise (Wayne) Netland of Pennock and Diane (Gary) Gronseth of Sunburg; seven grandchildren: Tori Hammerud, Aaron Loven, Chris Netland, Tracey Swanson, Joel Gronseth, Nicole Rudningen and Katie Hauge; 11 great grandchildren; siblings: Jean Dooley of Murdock and Bud Krattenmaker of Minneapolis; special cousin: Beverly Jensen of Kerkhoven; and numerous family and friends. Preceding him in death were his wife Delores; a great grandson, Owen Hammerud; his parents; three sisters and one brother.
