Dr. John Haarstad

Haarstad, Dr. John Long time resident naturalist at the University of Minnesota Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve (CCESR) in East Bethel, MN, died peacefully surrounded by family on November 17, 2008 at the age of 62. After graduating from Carleton College in Northfield, MN, he served in the Peace Corps in northern Nigeria teaching science. He later earned M.S. and Ph.D. degrees at the U of M for his studies on the ecological relationships among dragonflies at CCESR and resource competition among burying beetles. Dr. Haarstad continued work at CCESR developing and curating an extensive insect collection. He joined the staff of CCESR as their resident naturalist and contributed to many ecological research projects. He shared his love of insects by writing about their habitat preferences at CCESR, compiling checklists, and making his work available on the CCESR website. In addition, Dr. Haarstad led interpretive walks for the general public to enhance their regard for the natural world and encourage their support for the preservation of its biodiversity. He traveled widely to destinations of biological richness, documenting his experiences with countless photographs. In appreciation of his contributions, the CCESR has chosen to name the trail on the south shore of Fish Lake in his honor. A dedication ceremony will be held at the trail head on Friday, November 21 at 10 a.m. He was preceded in death by his father Conrad. He is survived by mother Viona, siblings Earl (Jane), Pamela (Urho) Rahkola, Carl (Michelle), nephews and nieces Shawn Haarstad, Tim (Carla) Haarstad, Rauha (Sarah and sons Thomas and James) Rahkola, Seija Rahkola, Pluma Haarstad and best friend Barbara Delaney.
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.