Harlan Enerson, age 84, of Bucyrus, ND, passed away October 10, 2026. He was born on April 8, 1942, in a log cabin in McIntosh, MN, to Otto and Helen Enerson. Being born in a log cabin was a meaningful part of his story and something he was always proud to share.

When Harlan was about 5 years old, his family moved to western North Dakota, where they settled and farmed. He went to school in Bucyrus and later attended Hettinger High School, graduating in 1960. After high school, he worked at several places, including Erlandson’s Lumber and Peter Kiewit Construction, building Minuteman sites.

He served in the National Guard and later in the Army, completing basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia. After a severe car accident in Alabama, he left the Army. He then worked with his uncle, Bob Baker, at the airport in Cooperstown, ND.

From there, he went to work for Marvin Plunk, traveling throughout the Midwest, from Louisiana to Montana, to combine and do custom chopping. He thoroughly enjoyed this job and shared many stories about it with his family.

After his father, Otto, passed away, Harlan returned to operate the family farm, where he farmed and ranched for the remainder of his life.

In October 1969, he married Claudia Mock, and they raised two children and later welcomed seven grandchildren. He was passionate about his grandchildren and enjoyed going to their sporting events and taking them pheasant and deer hunting. He loved going to threshing bees and WMSTR in Rollag, MN.

Over his lifetime, Harlan was involved with several organizations, including the Bucyrus Lutheran Church board, the Thrivent Foundation, and the Hettinger Fire Department.

Harlan was hardworking and expected no less from others. Honest and direct, he made sure you always knew where he stood on any topic.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Claudia; his children, Tammy and Jamie (Nikki); and his grandchildren, Jacob (Abby), Kayla (Brandon), Elyse, Kimber, Isla, Walker, and Woodrow. He is also survived by his brother Rod; his sister LeNae (Dell); his brothers Ron (Joyce) and Darrel (Kim); his sisters-in-law Jeanette, Phyllis, and Darlene; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Helen Enerson; his brothers Duane, Sherman, Gerald, and Gene; and his sisters-in-law Dixie and Connie.

A funeral service will be held at Bucyrus Lutheran Church at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, with visitation beginning at 9 a.m. Following the service, burial will take place at Bucyrus Cemetery, followed by lunch at Bucyrus Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bucyrus Lutheran Church, Bucyrus Cemetery, or the Hettinger Fire Department.