Harry Junior Lillesve - Rochester
ROCHESTER — Funeral services for Harry Junior Lillesve will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 30, 2010, at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Richland, Minn. Pastor Paul Andree will officiate. Visitation will be held Thursday evening from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Friedrich Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the St Olaf Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by the New Richland American Legion Group.
Harry died Saturday, April 24, 2010, at his home in Rochester. He was 85 years of age.
Harry was born June 12, 1924, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the son of Harry and Myrtle (Engelsgaard) Lillesve Sr. He was a graduate of High School in McIntosh, Minn., and earned his degree from Bemidji State University. On April 2, 1950, he was united in marriage to Violet Johnson at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in McIntosh, Minn.
Harry proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1942 until 1945. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church for many years. Harry was a teacher in the New Richland Public Schools from 1954 until 1979, teaching Industrial Arts and Drivers Education.
He was a member of the Lions Club, New Richland American Legion and The Commercial Club, was active on the New Richland City Council, and a was member of the Minnesota Woodcarvers Association. Harry was always active in politics and ran for State Representative in 1973 as an independent.
Harry enjoyed playing golf, woodworking and woodcarving, playing cards and poker, going to the theatre and acting.
He is survived by his sons, Donald B. and his wife, Karen, of Kasson and James D. and his wife, Marti, of Plymouth, Minn.; grandchildren, Cayce (Chris) Gulbranson, Cory (fiancee Laura Sorenson) Lillesve, Tami (Matt) Bryan and Tony Lillesve. One sister survives: Carole Burslie of McIntosh, Minn., and sister in law Arlys Edwards of New Richland, Minn. There are several nieces and nephews.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents, wife Violet in 1996, brother Donald and brother in law Clifton Burslie.