Harlan Darkenwald

Harlan and Lulu Darkenwald, of Long Prairie passed away within hours of each other on the 7th & 8th of December after 71 years of marriage.  

Harlan was born February 16, 1925 to August & Hattie ((Nyquist) Darkenwald in Edgeley, N.D.    Harlan was drafted to the 67th United States Construction Battalion in September of 1943.  In the Navy Seabee he fought and built airport runways in the Southern Pacific, which lasted until March of 1946.  After the war, he attended the University of North Dakota graduating with a Business Degree.

Lulu was born on a farm near Strandquist on November 13, 1928 to Gunvol & Julia (Bjorlokken) Torkelson.   She graduated high school in 1946 and moved to Grand Forks to attend Aaker’s Business College.  Being persuaded by her friends to go roller skating at the local rink was where she met her future husband, Harlan.   They were married in Lulu’s country church near Karlstad on June 12, 1949.   In 1957 they moved to Long Prairie and purchased a 4-lane bowling alley.  After a few years, they sold the bowling alley.  Lulu worked at Cathedral Press in Long Prairie for 24 years.  Harlan worked for the post office for 37 years before retiring. 

Lulu was known for her amazing cinnamon and orange rolls and for being a wonderful cook and baker making sure everyone had a “little lunch”.  Harlan enjoyed golfing and bowling.  In his 80’s he would golf his age and play ultimate Frisbee with his children and grandchildren.

Harlan & Lulu were both preceded in death by their parents and Lulu is preceded in death by 8 siblings.  They are survived by their children:  Linda (Dick) Burg, Brian Darkenwald, Rhonda (Lee) Enger, Julie (Leif) Spore; grandchildren:  Justin, Colin, Lisa, Mackenzie, Jocelyn, Caleb; great grandchildren:  Ava, Eli, Noah, Jack, Harmony, Kaiden, Maisie, Octavia and Atlas.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harlan Darkenwald, please visit our floral store.