Walter Harlow
July 8, 1931 ~ August 18, 2010
Walter N. Harlow, age 79, of Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away peacefully at Emmanuel Nursing Home on August 18th, 2010 surrounded by his loving family.
Formerly of Moorhead, MN and Perham, MN, Walter was born on July 8, 1931 to Harry and Selma (Nelson) Harlow in Drayton, North Dakota. He was educated in Pembina County, ND, attended NDAC, NDSU, and Moorhead State College where he received his BA/BS in Industrial Arts, Math, and Business Education. Walter was a member of the Kappa Delta Pi.
On April 12, 1958, Walter was united in marriage to Betty Louise Solhjem at Zion Lutheran Church near Leonard, ND. Walter proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He served in both the Minnesota and North Dakota National Guard and was Commanding Officer of several units in North Dakota. He retired as a Major. He was a proud member of VFW and American Legion.
Walter started his teaching career in Gwinner, ND. He taught Special Education in Grand Forks, ND and was an Industrial Arts instructor at Fargo North and South High school. He also taught Adult Education Woodworking classes and was the instructor for the Carpenters Union during his long teaching career. Walter worked as a self-employed contractor specializing in home building, cabinetry, remodeling and repair. After retiring from teaching he worked for the US Postal Service in Fort Ransom, ND.
Walter will be greatly missed by his family and friends; his loving wife Betty of Perham, MN; four daughters, Dianne Tyge of Perham, MN, Darleen (Johnnie) Griffin of Santee, CA, Doreen (Dana) Causer of Cando, ND and Denise (Mark) Christinson of Cavalier, ND; grandchildren Doretha Smith, Adam (Jennifer) Tyge, Tia Griffin, Tiffany Kukuk, Kenny Kukuk, Laura Christinson, Lucas Tyge, Lacey Christinson, and Jacob Tyge; great-grandson Nathaniel Smith, with second great-grandchild due in late December 2010 to Adam and Jenny; sisters, Elizabeth (Betty) Johnson of Hoople, ND and Bonnie (Willis) Puppe of Drayton, ND.
Walter's hobbies included family genealogy, woodworking, and gardening. He loved visiting with extended family and friends. He also enjoyed hearing stories about their lives and past experiences.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Selma (Nelson) Harlow and brothers, J. Kenneth, Ernest, Donald and Marvin.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Emmanuel Nursing Home of Detroit Lakes, MN for the great care of our husband, dad and grandpa.
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Our very deepest sympathy to you Betty, Denise, Diane, Doreen, Darlene. Will remember all our visits and the laughs we had.
Thinking of yous with thoughts and prayers.
Omaha NEOur thoughts and prayers are with you, Aunt Betty, and cousins Diane, Darlene, Doreen, and Denise and families for the loss of Uncle Walt. I will always remember his laugh and smiling face.
All our Love,
Tom, Eileen, & Jon Armstrong
Fargo North Dakota
Deepest sympathy to Betty & family.
Carson City NevadaMy condolences go to Walter’s family. I knew Walter back in 1960-70. We served together in the 141 Engineer Bn. Valley City. We worked in the S-2 shop. Aways enjoyed his since of humor.
CSM(ret) W. Wayne Willson
Uncle Walter you will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Aunt Betty and girls. Love, Lisa
The best teacher that a student could have; no brag, just fact. If all teachers were like Halter Harlow – this world would be far better off than it is. He was my 11th and 12th grade shop teacher, under his guidance we built a house behind the South High school. Walter later helped me frame and build several homes and garages.
I was invited to his home several times to see his wonderful garden, home, and pleasant family. He could do anything that his mind could think of, a very skilled, tolerant, loving father & husband, and a teacher’s teacher; the best there is! He made his students ‘want’ to do better, a rare breed indeed…I pray that God makes more true men like Walter to get us through the tough times…. God’s Speed my friend.
A great teacher’s life bleeds over upon other lives as it has mine. His pupils go on to be the future pillars of society, stronger than brick and mortar, steel and glass. His guidance grows quality and humbleness upon forthcoming generations to think outside the box, enriching their lives. The best of teachers develops potential in others as they teach. Then, when he lays with God, his seeds grow mighty fruit based upon his past teachings, kindling inspiration for generations to come.
Thanks again Walter