Harlan Boushek

Harlan Boushek was born on March 25, 1933 in Vesta, Minnesota to Charles and Verna (Marquardt) Boushek. He grew up on a farm, attending country school through the eighth grade and then Echo High School, where he graduated in 1951. In 1952 he married Joann Gronholz at St. John?s Lutheran Church in Vesta, and they farmed together until he was called into the army in 1953. He served two years in Korea, and upon his return they moved to Minneapolis where he attended Minneapolis Business College and began a twelve-year career with Twin City Monorail. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Randy (now a senior executive with Thrivent Financial) and Rick (who now owns and operates the family business). In 1957 they moved to Anoka, where they lived for 33 years. In 1968 he started his own company, Aero Material Handling, which he and Joann ran until 1990 when illness forced his retirement. They then retired to Lake Darling in Alexandria. In 2005 he entered Bethany Community in Alexandria, where he remained a resident until his death. Harlan was very active in his church in Anoka (Mt. Olive Lutheran), leading adult Bible studies and holding various church offices. They joined Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria when they retired there. He enjoyed all sports and participated in many throughout his life. He also loved playing cards with friends and spending time with his family, especially at their lake home. Harlan died on Friday, September 05, 2008 at the Douglas County Hospital at the age of 75. Survivors include his wife Joann; two sons, Randy (Patty) of Elk River and Rick (Sheila) of Andover; five grandchildren, Amy Jo Schaffer (Nick), Aaron, Hannah, Charlie, and Tully; two step-grandchildren, Austin and Aleshia Bach; one step-great-grandchild, Chloe, and brother, Leon (Judi) of Ramsey. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Arlene Jett; and nephew, Ronald Jett in Vietnam. A funeral service was held on Monday, September 8, 2008 at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Reverend Terry Finnern and Reverend David Hinz officiating and organist, Irma Brockberg.. Interment was held in the Morningside Memorial Gardens in Coon Rapids. Casket bearers were Harlan?s grandchildren, Amy Jo Schaffer, Nick Schaffer, Aaron Boushek, Hannah Boushek, Charlie Boushek, Tully Boushek, Austin Bach, and Aleshia Bach. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.