Harriet Staffanson

Harriet Ione Staffanson
2/6/1921 to 9/18/2016
Harriet was born February 6, 1921, in a cabin on Red Rock Lake north of Kensington. She was Postmaster in Farwell for nine years. She lived a quiet, unpretentious lifestyle and found joy in cooking homemade meals from scratch, baking the best apple pies, and growing beautiful African Violets. Family came first and was the center of her life. But, everyone who came to her door was welcomed, offered coffee and something good to eat.

Harriet graduated from Hoffman High School in May, 1938. She married Ray Staffanson on September 2, 1941. They worked in Rockford, Illinois, until Ray entered the Army in WWII. After the war, they farmed in the Holmes City area. They moved to Farwell in 1961 when Ray took a position as Postmaster. Eventually Harriet would serve in the same position. She was a faithful member of the Farwell Lutheran Church and served many years on the Ladies Aide. Harriet lived in Farwell for thirty years before moving to Glenwood. In 2006 she moved to an apartment in Bethany Manor, Alexandria.

Harriet is survived by two sons, Gary (Pat) Staffanson, and Dean (Karen) Staffanson. Six grandchildren: Tim (Lisa) Staffanson, Randy (Marie) Staffanson, Kristin Staffanson, Tobias Staffanson, Nicholas Staffanson, and Eleanore Staffanson. 4 great-grandchildren: Caitlin, Kyle, Megan and Matthew. One sibling: Edna Mae (Stanley) Anderson; along with many other relatives and friends.

Harriet was preceded in death by her parents: Harry and Myrtle Rudell; her husband: Raymond Staffanson; one brother: Leslie Rudell, and one son: Dale Staffanson.


Memorial services will be held on Monday, October 17, 2016, 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior at the Anderson Funeral Home. Burial will be at Wennesborg Cemetery.