Funeral services for Harriet L. Ellegard will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, at the Oakland Lutheran Church. The Rev. Matt Williams will officiate. Interment will be in the Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014, at the Bonnerup Funeral Chapel, Albert Lea location, and again one hour prior to the service at the church.

Harriet died Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, at Thorne Crest Retirement Center. She was 86 years old.

Harriet was born Aug. 28, 1927, in Albert Lea, Minn. Harriet grew up and attended school in Alden, Minn. On Sept. 29, 1946, Harriet was united in marriage to Vernon Ellegard. To this union, two children were born.

Harriet was an active member at the Oakland Lutheran Church. She worked with the Sunday school at the church for a period of time. She worked various jobs, including working at Land O’Lakes, KOA Campground and helping out on the farm. In her earlier years, Harriet enjoyed volunteering for the Bike-A-Thon in Hayward, and would enjoy her time volunteering at the old Thorne Crest South building.

Harriet spent her time doing her crossword puzzles, reading, crocheting, and embroidering. She used to frequently go on bus trips all over the country with her sisters and some of her friends. She enjoyed camping with her husband in her earlier years. To pass the time, Harriet would tune in to her favorite shows, including “Jeopardy,” “Wheel of Fortune,” “Dancing With The Stars,” and her favorite television show was cheering on her Minnesota Twins baseball team. She also enjoyed going to the fair with projects she made at Thorne Crest.

Harriet was described as a kind person to everyone. She was always helping others, and always thought of others before herself. She gained great enjoyment from spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Harriet was survived by her children, Ron Ellegard and Karen (Dave) VanReese; grandchildren, Kerri Ellegard and special friend, Tony, Kristy Ellegard and special friend, Jon, Rory (Reina) Ellegard, Tiffany (Brent) Smith, Tim (Amber) VanReese, and Kelli Goodnature; great grandchildren, Karter, Kole, Kaylee, Ashley, Hunter, and Alicin; siblings, Evelyn Sailor, and Marlene Weise; a sister in-law, Sharon Nelson; as well as many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Harriet was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon; mother, Mary L. Nelson; brother, LeRoy Nelson; aunt and uncle, Henry (Emma) Ellegard; in-laws, Edwin (Elvina) Ellegard); brother in-laws, Ole Sailor and Lloyd Weise; nephew in-law, Greg Hatle; and a great nephew, Colby Sailor.