Harlan Elroy Rask

Age 95 of Otsego

Passed away peacefully with his boots on at his home on January 28, 2026.

Born on September 28, 1930 in Heaton, North Dakota to parents Severt and Lula Mae (Flanders) Rask. He graduated from Monticello High School in 1949. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in July of 1949 and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in December of 1952. He married his beloved Betty Mae (Dahlgren) on February 20, 1954 in Clearwater, MN. Harlan built their home in Otsego in 1957 where they have lived continuously to this day. He worked as a carpenter for 45 years, retiring in 1992. He then went on to work for the City of Otsego Park Department until he was 88 years old. He also ran the Otsego Cemetery for 50 years when he handed the reigns over to his son, Terry; however he still helped out until his death. Harlan owned land in the woods of Wisconsin, and Florida where he treasured spending time with his grandchildren and other family.

Harlan and Betty were world travelers having visited Europe, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii. Woodcarving, ice fishing, and lake fishing were some of Harlan’s pastimes, but nothing compared to his and Betty’s passion for collecting Department 56 Houses. They amassed a collection of over 3,000 pieces that were carefully displayed and repackaged each year. It wasn’t unusual for them to travel out of state for a single house for their collection. Harlan meticulously and artfully created backdrops for the homes to add to their appeal. Harlan was preceded in death by his parents Severt and Lula Mae Rask; siblings Charles Rask, Elwood Rask, Virgil Rask, Margaret Linhart, Lucille Rotz, Severt “Chester” Rask, and Larry Rask. Surviving are his devoted wife of 72 years, Betty; sons Bruce (Melody) and Terry; grandchildren Tina (Brad) Dehn, Chiffon (Dane) Vansteenwyk, Clayton (Gina) Rask, Vanessa Rask, and Morgan (Paiten) Rask; great-grandchildren Hannah, Hunter, Tanner, Emma, Jackson, Walker, and one more on the way; brother Laurel Rask; and sister-in-law Patty Rask; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  Visitation will be held from 1-3PM at the Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel, 250 E. Broadway Street, Monticello, followed by a graveside service at Riverside Cemetery ~ Monticello.  Arrangements entrusted to Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel, 763-295-2918,

www.peterson-grimsmochapel.com

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