Benjamin W. Harju

Benjamin was born in Becker County on September 27, 1921 to John and Katie (Ylitolo) Harju. After growing up in the Park Rapids area he served his country in the US Army during World War II. Ben was part of the European Theater of operation and was stationed in Italy and Africa. After the war he returned to Duluth and was united in marriage to Martha Winskowski on January 7, 1948. Ben worked for US Steel for many years in Duluth and later transferred to Mintac operations in Virginia. After more than 30 years of service he retired in 1983. Ben enjoyed baking bread, gardening and spending time with his family. He was a member of the VFW and St. James Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents; son Gerald; 6 brothers and 3 sisters.

Benjamin is survived by and will be deeply missed by his wife of 62 years Martha; daughter, Rene (Rick) Nelson of Duluth, MN; grandsons, Reid of Corpus Christi, Texas and Aaron of Duluth; sister Olga Maki of Park Rapids and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at SMDC and Solvay Hospice House for their care.

Funeral service will be held at 12 P.M. on Thursday, August 26, 2010 at Bell Brothers Funeral Home 601 N. 56th Ave. N. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Oneota Cemetery. Military honors accorded by the Duluth Honor Guard.

Arrangements under the direction of Bell Brothers Funeral Home, Duluth, MN.