Harlan Sylvester

Funeral services for Harlan J. Sylvester, of Glenwood, formerly of Starbuck, Minnesota, will be on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Starbuck, with Reverend Paul Johnson officiating.  Visitation will be on Friday, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Starbuck Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Harlan John Sylvester was born on May 1, 1941 in Starbuck, Minnesota to Norval and Camille (Bruzek) Sylvester.  He was raised on the family farm in rural Starbuck.  Harlan was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Immanuel Lutheran Church and received his education in Starbuck.  After high school, Harlan entered the United States Army and then continued with the Army National Guard for six years.  He lived in Northeast Minneapolis with his three children: Rod, Connie and John.  He raised them as a single Dad while working full time as a Machinist at Modern Machine and Engineering.  Harlan was employed there for nearly four decades, until his retirement on his 62nd birthday on May 1, 2003.  Following his retirement, he built a home and moved back to his roots and settled in Glenwood.

While his kids were young, Harlan enjoyed fishing with them and spending summers at various resorts.  He loved the lake view from his retirement home and spending time at the lake.  Harlan enjoyed riding his Harley and cruising in his Caddy.  Most importantly, Harlan cherished the time that he was able to spend with his children and grandchildren.

Harlan died peacefully on Wednesday, February 12, 2020, at The Landmark of Fridley in Fridley, Minnesota; he was 78 years old.

He is survived by his children: Rodney (Cassandra) Sylvester of Fridley, Connie (Michael) Rehbein of North Saint Paul, John (Debi) Sylvester of Fridley, and Joyce Powers of Scottsdale, AZ; 8 grandchildren; siblings: David (Lillian) Sylvester of Hankinson, ND, Janet Scott of Bloomington, Leona Garrett of Overland Park, KS, and Loretta (Dan) Lose of Bruceton, WV; and many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Joe Powers; grandson, Brandon Lanie; brother-in-law, Charles Scott; and niece, Susan Gilles.

Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in charge of arrangements for Harlan.