Harley D. Reed

Harley’s services will be livestreamed and viewable below at 10:00 AM Monday, March 30, 2026.

Harley Reed passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Sheyenne Crossings in West Fargo, ND.

Harley Duane Reed was born June 26, 1937, in Maza, ND to Harley and Gusta Reed. Harley was a man who impacted many throughout his life. Perhaps one of the most prominent ways he made a difference was in education. His journey as an educator began when he, himself, attended Hardwheat School, a one-room schoolhouse in Towner County. From there, he went on to graduate from Cando High School in 1955. He continued his educational journey by attending Mayville State as a math major along with playing baseball on the first team to earn the honor of playing in the NAIA College World Series in Alpine, Texas.

While attending college, Harley met his college sweetheart and love of his life, Judith Bjornson. Graduating in Math Education in 1959, he and Judy married on June 28, 1959, in Gardar, ND. They began their life together in Sarles, ND where Harley taught math and science until 1961. Harley’s educational career across North Dakota and Minnesota continued in Egeland (61-66), Fordville (66-67), Edgeley (67-80), and Maddock (80-83). Earning his master’s in mathematics from NDSU along the way, Harley brought this experience to Moorhead State University until his retirement in 1992.

Harley’s impact on others did not end in the classroom. He enlisted in the military in 1955 serving our county for 34 years in the North Dakota National Guard, including his activation during the Berlin Crisis. Over his time in the military, he trained and mentored many soldiers, including his own son. He proudly retired as a well-respected and beloved 1st Sergeant in 1989. In addition to his military service, Harley was a proud member of the Jaycee organization in Edgeley, ND where he held many offices including the first Senator of that chapter.

Perhaps his most impactful role during his life was that of husband, father, and grandfather.

Harley will be dearly missed by his beloved wife of 66 years, Judith Ann Reed and their children Harley Jr. (Gerry) Reed, Plymouth, MN, Deanna (Todd) Olson, Mohall, ND, Bradley (Sheila) Reed, Lake Ashtabula, ND, and Bear “Bryan” (Jodie) Reed, Fargo. From his children, came the blessing of his grandchildren, Vanessa, Simone, Douglas, Joel, Logan, Maximus, and Bear Jr.; and his great grandchildren Fulanii, Moshii and Ruben; as well as his brothers-in-law Douglas Bjornson and Brent (Linda) Bjornson.

Harley is proceeded in death by parents Harley O. and Gusta Reed; infant sister Darlene Reed; brothers, Don, Dean, and Glenn Reed; brother-in-law Mayo Bjornson; and daughters Baby Reed and Sonja Diane Reed.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you make a donation to a charity of choice.