Harlan Esping, age 99, of Porter, MN passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at the Sanford Canby Medical Center, Canby, MN. Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at Hope Lutheran Church, Minneota, MN. Burial will be at the Hope Lutheran Cemetery, Minneota, MN. Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at the Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby.
Harlan Johnnie Esping was born on September 22, 1920 on the family farm near Porter, Minnesota to parents Thorbjon and Nannie (Goslar) Esping. He attended country school in Lincoln County at District #33 through the 8th grade. On September 16, 1942, Harlan was inducted into the United States Army Air Force and proudly served his country while being stationed in Scotland and England as part of the Quarter Master Trucking Company #2207. Harlan was honorably discharged at McClellan Field in Sacramento, CA on November 27, 1945. Upon returning home he picked back up with farming with his father and brothers.
On September 14, 1955, Harlan was united in marriage to the love of his life, Annie Meyer at the Hope Lutheran Church in Minneota, MN. To this union they were blessed with three children: Thomas, Judy and Nancy. Together they raised their family on the farm instilling values of hard work and dedication. After 52 and a half years of marriage, Annie passed away on June 26, 2008.
Harlan loved his family and his farming. He farmed his entire life with a true love for the land and cattle. He had cattle from the very beginning up until the very end. He enjoyed playing cards and teaching his grandchildren new card games. Sharing stories and memories of ‘the old days’ was a very enjoyable time for Harlan.
He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, Minneota American Legion and the Porter VFW.
Grateful for having shared Harlan’s life are his three children: Tom Esping, Minneota, MN, Judy Esping, Porter, MN and Nancy (Roger) Longhenry, Porter, MN; 6 grandchildren: Travis (Chelsea) Longhenry, Bill (Megan) Longhenry, Jessie Davis, Bobbi Jo Davis, Tony (Tammy) Esping and David Esping; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Velva Knutson, Madison, MN; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Annie; his parents; three brothers: Ervin, Marvin and Alden; sister-in-law, Ruth Esping; daughter-in-law, Becky Esping; and niece Ellen Esping.