Obit: Sunsdahl, Harlen E. (1943 - 2018)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Sunsdahl, Peterson, Montgomery, Curran

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/03/2018

Sunsdahl, Harlen E. (21 October 1943 – 17 September 2018)

Harlen E. Sunsdahl, 74, Neillsville, passed away Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, at Neillsville Memorial Medical Center.

Family and friends ae welcome from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018 at the American Legion in Neillsville for a Celebration of Life reception.

Harlen was born in Thief River Falls, MN, on Oct. 21, 1943, to Hubert and Lila (Peterson) Sunsdahl. He attended schools in Goodridge, Thief River Falls and Aurora, graduating from Tower-Soudan High School in 1961. After spending two years at Mesabi Junior College in Virginia, MN, he enlisted in the U. S. Army in 1963 and was stationed in 1966.

He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Bemidji State University in 1968 and went on to teach physical education and coach football, basketball and track at Henning, MN. In 1970, he and his wife Diane began teaching in Neillsville. He coached high school football for 10 year until 1980 and had many memorable players and teams, including a state championship in the 1975-76 school year. Harlen received a Master of Science degree in school administration from Winona State University in 1980. He was the assistant principal under Henry Lukes until 1985 when he became head principal. He retired early due to medical reasons.

He was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church, AWSA (Association of Wisconsin School Administrators), the Cloverbelt Coaches Association, served on committees at the WIAA (Wisconsin Inter collegiate Athletic Association), as well as having memberships in American legion Post 73 and Masonic Lodge 163, Rotary and Neillsville Men’s Club.

Harlen enjoyed all sports, deer hunting and fishing, especially on Lake Vermillion in Tower, MN, and Nelson Lake at Hayward, WI, for many years. His interests also included watching the Packers/Vikings rivalry, reading world history of the old Chinese and Roman Empires, current events and bird watching. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Diane of 51 years and children Eric (Richelle) Sunsdahl of Rosemount, MN, Katy (Chris) Montgomery of Waterville, MN, and Lee (Jamie) Sunsdahl of Tampa, FL; grandchildren: Ethan, Hanna, Isabel, Lydia, Aubree and Paislee as well as step-grandsons Justin and Christian. He is further survived by his sister Bonnie (Norm) Curran of International Falls, MN, and nieces Tammie, Gina and Kim and nephew Steve.

He was preceded in death by a son Ryan at birth, his parents, brother Steve and sister-in-law Rita.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be used in a way to honor Harlen’s memory and spirit.