Harriet Ellegard, 86, Albert Lea

Published 9:48 am Friday, January 3, 2014

Funeral services for Harriet L. Ellegard will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Oakland Lutheran Church. The Rev. Matt Williams will officiate. Interment will be in the Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Bonnerup Funeral Service chapel in Albert Lea and again one hour prior to the service at the church.

Harriet died Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, at Thorne Crest Retirement Community. She was 86 years old.

Harriet was born Aug. 28, 1927, in Albert Lea. Harriet grew up and attended school in Alden. On Sept. 29, 1946, Harriet was united in marriage to Vernon Ellegard. To this union two children were born.

Harriet was an active member at the Oakland Lutheran Church. She worked with the Sunday school at the church for a period of time. She worked various jobs, including working at Land O’Lakes, KOA Campground and helping out on the farm. In her earlier years Harriet enjoyed volunteering for the Bike-A-Thon in Hayward and enjoyed her time volunteering at the old Thorne Crest South building.

Harriet spent her time doing her crossword puzzles, reading, crocheting and embroidering. She used to frequently go on bus trips all over the country with her sisters and some of her friends. She enjoyed camping with her husband in her earlier years. To pass the time Harriet would tune in to her favorite shows including “Jeopardy,” “Wheel of Fortune,” “Dancing With The Stars,” and her favorite television show was cheering on her Minnesota Twins baseball team. She also enjoyed going to the fair with projects she made at Thorne Crest.

Harriet Ellegard

Harriet was described as a kind person to everyone. She was always helping others and always thought of others before herself. She gained great enjoyment from spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Harriet was survived by her children Ron Ellegard and Karen (Dave) VanReese; grandchildren Kerri Ellegard and special friend, Tony, Kristy Ellegard and special friend, Jon, Rory (Reina) Ellegard, Tiffany (Brent) Smith, Tim (Amber) VanReese and Kelli Goodnature; great-grandchildren Karter, Kole, Kaylee, Ashley, Hunter and Alicin; siblings Evelyn Sailor and Marlene Weise; sister in-law, Sharon Nelson; as well as many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Harriet was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon; mother, Mary L. Nelson; brother, LeRoy Nelson; aunt and uncle, Henry (Emma) Ellegard; in-laws Edwin (Elvina) Ellegard; brothers-in-law Ole Sailor and Lloyd Weise; nephew in-law, Greg Hatle; and a great-nephew, Colby Sailor.