Harry Lillesve, 85

Published 12:00 am Monday, April 26, 2010

Funeral services for Harry Junior Lillesve will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Richland. The Rev. Paul Andree will officiate. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 4 until 7 p.m. at 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 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.
Harry proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1942 until 1945. He was an active member of the 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, The Commercial Club, active on the New Richland City Council and a 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; grandchildren: Cayce (Chris) Gulbranson, Cory (fiancé Laura Sorenson) Lillesve, Tami (Matt) Bryan and Tony Lillesve. One sister survives, Carole Burslie, of McIntosh and sister-in-law, Arlys Edwards of New Richland. 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.