Brent Gordon Harstad

Brent Gordon Harstad left a footprint on our community. He was a father and a husband, a judge and a businessman, and most of all, a good friend. He always gave of himself and worked to make the world a better place. He would meet you with a big smile and a hearty hello, often with jokes or witty quips. He wanted to lift people up and laugh with them, so we ask this of you as you read this, reach out and lift someone up, and share your wonderful smile with them. Fill them with joy and blessings in your own way. Be that smile that multiplies! Brent was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on November 5, 1943, to Gordon and Bernice (Christensen) Harstad. At the age of 8, his family moved to Marion, Iowa, with his younger brother Norris. As a senior at Marion High School, the Harstad family added another 'brother,' John, via the AFS Exchange Program, and a strong relationship continues to this day with John and his lovely family in Melbourne, Australia. Also, while attending Marion High School, Brent also met the love of his life, Patricia Bezdek in the lunch line. Following high school, Brent completed degrees in Economics and Psychology in 1966, followed by a law degree in 1969 from the University of Iowa and then put down roots in Cedar Rapids to begin a career in law and build a family with his beloved "Trish." Brent is survived by his best friend and wife, Patricia; daughter, Christine and husband Craig Landa; son, Eric Harstad; and "Booker" and "Babi's" grandchildren, Lars and Ingrid Landa, and Bedrich and Dane Harstad. Brent is also survived by his brother, Norris (Nancy) Harstad and AFS Exchange Brother, John (Anne) Kumnick of Melbourne, Australia. Brent had several careers in law and as a small business owner. His career started as a lawyer in private practice for six years before sitting on the Juvenile Court bench in the 6th District of Iowa for another fourteen years. After which, he began another career in the family business of abstracting, serving as President of Iowa Title and Abstract Company, extending this to mediation and escrow services in Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Anamosa, Iowa. He was a member of the Linn County and Iowa State Bar Associations, the Iowa State Judges Association, the Iowa Land & Title Association (Past President), and the Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity. As a juvenile judge, Brent always insisted his role was to get young people back on track to a fruitful life and to provide a secure framework for child welfare. There are many stories of his days in juvenile court where he would insist on respect, partly for the court, but mostly for the people who appeared, to illustrate that they were important as well. His work was highlighted in the Gazette and Jet magazine for his approach and care. Our courts don't work in isolation, and neither did Brent. He taught classes specific for Juveniles, and for Probation Officers. Ever the teacher, he volunteered as a judge and advocate at a youth-driven court where students would serve all courtroom roles and determine how to help their classmates get back on track as well. Additionally, Brent shared his experience and vast knowledge in classrooms at Mount Mercy University, as well as Kirkwood Community College. Brent was an active volunteer and advocate in his personal life as well. He was a life-long Rotarian and proud Paul Harris Fellow with a perfect attendance record for many years in the Cedar Rapids Downtown, Marion, and Anamosa Rotary clubs. He also served as President of the Anamosa club (1999-2000). Over the years, Brent could be found outside registering voters (regardless of party affiliation), ringing the Salvation Army bell, promoting the Marion Historical Preservation Commission, advocating for better landfill practices with Waste Not Iowa, serving as a member of the Cedar Rapids Board of Adjustment Commission, Czech Heritage Foundation, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, and of course, the dubious Phlat Earth Society, Chicken Little Chapter!! At home, Brent was a loving husband and father and was actively involved with their Toddville property. Always wanting to get outside during the day, Brent could be found in the woodshop making something, fixing a fence, fishing in the summer, hunting in the winter, taking down trees, cutting a cord of firewood, or simply spending time with his dogs. One of his largest projects was installing woodwork to finish the basement family room featuring various hardwoods from the property. Additionally, Brent held a Class B fireworks license so he and friends could add some sparkle to a few of the summer parties at their property. Brent left us on Christmas Day with a warmth that shone from his life. He would want his legacy to be one of humor, friendship, and love. Please share a happy memory with others and if it moves you, please share your generosity with memorials directed to Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, the Rotary International Foundation, or another charity of your choice. A Community Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 2 pm at Grand Living at Indian Creek (325 Collins Road SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403) with a Visitation for the family to greet friends from 3-5 pm after the service. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Please share your love and support with Brent's family on his Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.