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Olaf Harken Obituary
May 6, 1939 - October 21, 2019
Pewaukee lost a gentle giant when Olaf Harken passed away on Monday, October 21st.
Olaf was a loving husband, dedicated father, doting grandfather, loyal brother, kind-hearted friend, generous neighbor, curious innovator, marveling astronomer, and a fierce competitor- both on the water and in business.
Predeceased by his parents, Ulla and Johannes Harken, Olaf leaves behind a large, loving family: his devoted wife Ruth, daughters Heather (Neil) Evans, Heidi (Claudiu) Mag, Hilary Harken, brother Peter (Edit Olaz) Harken, and grandchildren Savannah, McKinley, Zoey, Luca, and Nadia. His Pewaukee community, Harken employees, and industry friends all mourn his death.
Olaf, recognized worldwide as a pioneer in the sailing industry, has called Pewaukee home for roughly 50 years. Born in Indonesia, then shepherded from New Zealand, Borneo, and Australia then to California where his family was reunited with his father who had survived four years in a Japanese prison camp. Olaf and his brother Peter went separate directions in college with Olaf attending Georgia Tech on a swimming scholarship and graduating with an industrial engineering degree. It was during his visits to Madison to see his brother that he started to develop his attachment to the Midwest and an eye for innovation.
His list of sailing industry achievements is long and Olaf always shared the glory, both with his brother and the employees at Harken, Inc. His passion for sailing was a driving force in many of his ventures, whether for business or pleasure. He called Pewaukee Lake home, but also enjoyed traveling to his home in Cape Coral and sailing his boat there, or chartering a boat in the Caribbean with his family.
Olaf and his wife of 47 years have been extremely generous with their support of the Pewaukee community, continuing education programs, and various sailing organizations. The Harken Observatory at the Pewaukee Library is a testament to his work to share his passion with others. He also loved sharing his many interests with his family, whether traveling with his wife or teaching his daughters how to fix fiberglass boats and use marine-grade materials for projects. Olaf and Ruth have welcomed friends from all over the world into their home and their hearts.
In recent years, even as Parkinson's took hold in Olaf, he fought back constantly against the physical impairments, but never gave up or stopped pursuing any of his goals and dreams. His autobiography, "Fun Times in Boats, Blocks, & Business" was published in 2015 and gave him a great sense of accomplishment. His drive to finish it was inspiring, as is the book, as his dexterity failed.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2019, at Galilee Lutheran Church in Pewaukee, WI. Visitation is at 11:00, followed by the service at 2:00, and a Celebration of Life at 4:00 at Harken World Headquarters.
In lieu of flowers, the Harken family asks that you consider a donation to a fund that will be set up to support local charitable organizations such as the Pewaukee Library, Pewaukee Astronomy Club, Galilee Lutheran Church, educational and environmental projects, and the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center. Information can be found at http://www.tributes.com/olaf-harken
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Olaf Harken
Sponsored by Yonke & Son Funeral Home.
Constance Konold
February 4, 2020
I am very sad to learn belatedly of Olaf's death and send my sincere condolences to his family. He lived a fabulous life of his own choice and creativity; his accomplishments were many.
October 31, 2019
Sending our sincere sympathies to Ruth, Peter and their extended families. We know that heaven has a brighter light with Olaf's crossing over, may he rest in peace and may his memory live in your hearts forever. Laura (Zabler) Wandrey and Karin (Zabler) Suede
John Hoaglund
October 30, 2019
John R. Hoaglund, III
I wrote a little tribute on FaceBook, to both Olaf and the Pewaukee community where I grew up. Many years ago, and only briefly, Harken was one of my employers when I was in high school.
https://www.facebook.com/john.hoaglund/posts/10218414731271410
Cindi WK
October 29, 2019
Olaf was a very special man, his character was Fun and witty with a twinkle in his eye and always a smile to share! Asking questions and stretching for new better ideas. I pray for his wonderful family as they carry on his tradition to their families and the Harken families across the world. Thank you Lord for letting us learn so much from him before taking him back home with you! Blessings to Ruth and the Harken family <3
Cindi Wright-Kau
CWK Designs New Berlin, WI
Karen and Graham McGrath
October 26, 2019
Olaf will be missed by many, many people all over the world. He was such a thoughtful and caring person. Our thoughts are with the family.
Dennis Roscoe
October 26, 2019
We will all dearly miss Olaf at the Pewaukee Astronomy Club, but his memory will live on every time we use the Harken Observatory. Olaf was a star in his own right.
Pat Downing
October 26, 2019
I loved Olaf's voice. It was one of the richest, warmest, strongest voices I've ever heard.
I loved Olaf's words. When he spoke of his love for the United States, or told of his family's incredible journey, or as he honored veterans current and past with his deep appreciation for what they had done for his family.
It is said that you can tell a person's character by the way they treat the waitstaff. I can vouch from first-hand knowledge that Olaf was kind, considerate and generous to all. As it was through my mother, who regularly waited on Olaf & Peter at the Lake Aire Restaurant in Pewaukee, that I met the Harkens.
You will be missed by so many, Olaf. But your legacy will live on.
Barbara Velez
October 25, 2019
This is my second expression of condolences to the Harken Family. In the first I didn't include a very important part of Olaf's legacy.
The Milwaukee Community Sailing Center would not exist were it not for Olaf and Peter Harken. Milwaukee and all stewards of Lake Michigan owe them a great deal of gratitude. Olaf was a kind and generous man.
Barbara J Velez
Shorewwood
Anne Price Yates
October 25, 2019
Olaf will be much missed by so many of us, but he left the world a better place because of his kindness, generosity, creativity, and energy. I remember Olaf as my classmate in the American School, and then in subsequent years I knew his wonderful family. My heart goes out to Ruth and all the Harken family for their great loss.
Sue Ellis
October 25, 2019
Deepest Sympathy to the Harken family. Olaf was a good man. Many memories for the family to cherish forever.Prayers for comfort and healing goes out to all of you.
Barbara Velez
October 24, 2019
Ruth, Peter & The Harken Family,
It truly saddens me that Olaf has passed. I met many wonderful people when I was raising money for the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center. However, Olaf (and Peter) stand out among a crowd of kind and generous souls. Whatever help I needed from Olaf (or Peter) was freely given. Olaf's spirit as a leader, a titan of industry and engineering genius will live on, I know it.
My thoughts are truly with you all, and my very fond memories of Olaf will remain.
Barbara Velez,
Shorewood
Mark Pares
October 23, 2019
Being an employee and friend of Olaf and his family for the past 43 years I will truly miss his quiet, calming peaceful demeanor when all seemed to be in chaos getting a project finished at the deadline. The parties, excitement and fun we had were such a bonus to having Olaf and his brother Peter as our leaders. There seemed to be nothing we couldn't accomplish with their leadership. There is no substitute for working with leaders that respect you as equals. I will dearly miss you my brother rest in peace.
October 23, 2019
It has been our extreme pleasure to know and work
with Olaf and his wonderful family. He will long be remembered for all his kindness and wonderful, friendly spirit.
Knowing Olaf from the start of his company, he should be remembered for giving numerous employment opportunities for people to grow with the company.
Rest in piece my friend.
Dave and Sandy Gauerke
Kevin Kirkpatrick
October 23, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire harken family!
Olaf was a good man and he will be missed!
rest in peace Olaf!
Sincerely,
Kevin and Jennifer Kirkpatrick
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