Robert “Bob” was born in Duluth on March 14, 1923 to Charles and Arvida (Larson) Harnell.
He grew up in Twig (Grand Lake). He attended Grand Lake one room school house for grades 1 - 8 and graduated from Proctor High School in 1941. He went on to attend trade school in Shakopee and worked for International Harvester in Mpls. until he was drafted in 1943.
During World War II, while serving in the U.S. Navy, Robert was awarded the Commendation Ribbon by Admiral W.F. Halsey for aiding & saving his typhoon stricken destroyer.
On August 25, 1956, He married Elizabeth Ann Anderson. Together, they built their home in Proctor, where they raised three children.
In 1945, Bob started working at Twig Lumber. In 1948, Robert started, managed, and later became owner of Proctor Builders Supply where he worked until his retirement in 1988. After his retirement, Bob continued enjoyed visiting with customers, drinking coffee, and fixing windows and screens. His son, Lee, continues operating the family business.
Throughout his life, Bob spent his summers at his cabin on Grand Lake, enjoying fishing and water skiing. After his retirement, and for 21 years, he looked forward to spending his winters in Arizona. He enjoyed playing cards, bowling, golf, dancing, family trips, carpentry, entertaining company, and doing projects. He was his best when he was among friends-telling the latest joke for the day.
For over 50 years, Robert has been a member of Elim Lutheran Church, Proctor Moose, American Legion, Euclid Masonic Lodge, Trinity OES. He also served on the Proctor School Board in the 1950’s. As a member of Elim Lutheran Church, he helped cut Christmas trees each year, was President of Wedding Ring, ushered, served as a greeter and was on the church board.
Bob was so considerate, caring, honest, appreciative, hard working and ambitious. He passed on all of these qualities to his children.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Russell; sisters, Lillian Strickland, Alice Farver, and Florence Bradley.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth (Betty); three children, Laura (Owen) McVann of Greendale, WI, Lee (Sherry) Harnell of Proctor, and Lowell (Jennifer) Harnell of Proctor; eight grandchildren, Meghan, Evan, Jacob, Ben, Matt, Elizabeth, Daniel and Noah; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Sunday in Bell Brothers Chapel and will continue from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Funeral Service Monday, October 18, 2010 in Elim Lutheran Church. Pastor Jim Hagen officiating. Interment will be in Grand Lake Cemetery, Twig. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
To leave a memory of Robert or words of support for the family, please visit www.BellBrothersFuneralHome.com
Arrangements by Bell Brothers Funeral Home. 601 N. 56th Ave. West. 218-624-5745
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