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3131 Minnehaha Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Age 77 Of Los Angeles, CA Died on Dec. 15 from complications of Parkinson's Disease. He was born Nov. 2, 1935, in Bagley, MN, to Elsie and Christ Christianson. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Lenora (McGraw). Harlan graduated from Bagley High School ('53), Augsburg College ('57), and Augsburg Theological Seminary ('63). He ran for MN State Treasurer in 1966 and was a member of the Coffeehouse Association, who opened the Coffeehouse Extempore in 1965. He taught at Minnehaha Academy for 13 years, was a farmer for 16 years (Salem Hills Farm, Inver Grove Hts.), Chief Sergeant-at-Arms and Director of Educational Services for the MN House of Representatives for 12 years, a contract escort for the US State Department for 54 years, and an environmental consultant in Los Angeles for the past 19 years. And, in his own words, he was "a simple disciple of Truth" his entire life. Harlan's wisdom, humor, advice, work ethic, and sincere empathy will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his son, Dr. Kiel Christianson (Mahomet, IL), daughter-in-lawJennifer, grand-child- ren Sophia and Erik, nieces Faye Jacobs (Bagley), April Peterson (Chaska), Ember Roach (Lake Lillian), and Tonja Trickel (Aurora, IL), along with numerous great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, and his former wife, Lorie Christianson (Mpls.). Memorial Service will be held at 4pm Sat., Feb. 9 at BRADSHAW (McDivitt-Hauge), 3131 Minnehaha Ave. S., Minneapolis, with visitation from 2-4pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Augsburg College in Harlan's name, or made out to "Harlan's Grandchildren's Education Fund" and sent c/o Kiel Christianson, 402 E Orchard Dr., Mahomet, IL 61853. 3131 Minnehaha Avenue South 612-724-3621
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Tony Price, one of Harlan's many friends and admirers..
Your dad was that teacher "who made a difference" for me and I am writing to let you know that. He recognized something good in me as a young immature adolescent and helped me see what I might become. He thought "out of the box" and respected individual differences at a time and place where that was not encouraged. He was truly a special person and a Rennaisance man. You were fortunate to call him your father. The world will be a poorer place without him.Robert Blomberg
Robert Blomberg
April 8, 2016
Harlan believed that "when someone passes away, their soul returns to God".
February 7, 2013
The Mn Legislature had a Moment Of Silence for Harlan (begins at minute 5:10):
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/htv/programa.asp?ls_year=88&session_year=2013&session_number=0&event_id=880017
February 4, 2013
HCC was, indeed, most memorable as a teacher at Minnehaha Academy. Whenever he spoke, it was with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. I can only smile now, thinking of him.
Sandy (Swanson) Mathisen
January 20, 2013
Thanks Mr Christianson, You were my homeroom teacher at MA. My sympathy to your family. Carol Van Guilder Henry
January 19, 2013
Thanks, Mr. Christianson. You were an engaging and fantastic teacher and proof that at least in the '70s, one could be both a "liberal" and a Christian. I will always be grateful for my MA education and you were one of the major reasons.
Laurie Christopherson '72
January 15, 2013
Harlan was one of my most memorable teachers at Minnehaha Academy. He taught the value of debate and the skills of openness to new ideas. The world needs these to be apart of education and each of us especially in these times. As a Christian environmental care proponent myself and knowing this man's belief goes with his work, it does not surprise me Harlan spent much of his life after I knew him dedicated to this field too. Way to go Harlan. Wish I could have talked with him since graduation in 1966. Wish the Coffee House Extempore was around for my grandchildren.
Dave Carroll
January 14, 2013
I will remember Mr. Christianson with much fondness. I lost my own father the year I graduated Minnehaha (1968). My father died 12/31/67. Mr. Christianson was very kind to me and showed his concern for myself and my family during this time. He was a terrific teacher.
Lee Anne Mellott (Holmberg)
January 14, 2013
Lorie & Kiel
I was saddened to hear of Harlan's passing. If it wasn't for Harlan, I never would have had the opportunity to own my own horse. Those days at Salem Hills Farm were the best days of my teen years and I wish I could go back to those days. Harlan, you were the best and thank you so much.
Lynne Welsh
January 14, 2013
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Funeral services provided by:
Bradshaw Funeral & Cremation Services - Minneapolis3131 Minnehaha Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55406
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