James “Jimmy” Haraldson – Minneapolis, MN

Jimmy (James) Haraldson 82 of Minneapolis, MN died Sunday, June 25, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born August 7, 1940 to Hans and Mildred Haraldson and in Jimmy style, he was born on his own schedule at home in Elbow Lake, delivered by his Aunt Olive. He grew up on the family dairy farm in rural Elbow Lake. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1958 and was a Fire Protection Specialists or civilian term firefighter! After his discharge from the service, he settled in Minneapolis, MN. He work-ed construction, his son, Scott was born in 1968 he married Mary Pawelski, January 6th, 1968. Jimmy also adopted his sons, Jesse and Josh Weber in November of 2003. He became a meat cutter for Red Owl and other affiliates and continued for 31 years before retiring in 2002. He enjoyed playing softball in his younger years, golfing, fishing. He was active with his sons sports, volunteering, and coaching. Watching his sons, Scott and Josh play hockey were special mo-ments for Jimmy. Jimmy enjoyed sports, sports and more sports. He knew the all the teams, the players, professional, college and high school, both boys and girls, you could always depend on him for any sports highlights! Jimmy was the Lefse Master in the family. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas Jimmy made unlimited batches of lefse and shared with family and friends! Family holidays were blessed with Jimmy’s presence through the years, he never missed a gathering, and he will be missed. We recently had a special family gathering and all the Haraldson siblings showed off their lefse skills, the memory of this gathering was captured with pictures and will be fondly remembered! Jimmy was active in his church, Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church, giving of his time, volunteering, building Houses for Habitat. He was busy in the fall with processing deer meat for family and friends. He helped the local garage across the alley from his home that has been in business for over 50 years. He was the neighbor that was always helping with raking leaves, shoveling snow and the friend that was always lending a helping hand when there was a need. He is survived by his sons, Scott (Mel) Haraldson and Josh Weber; siblings, Betty Holm, Paul (Deb) Haraldson, Gene Haraldson and Virginia (Jeff) Driggins; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, many cousins, family and friends! Preceded in death by parents; brother, Alton; and son Jesse. Please join them in celebrating Jimmy’s life. Service at Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4120 17th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55407 Monday, July 17 at 11 a.m. In honor of Jimmy, the family is planning a Twins theme, red, white and blue colors to celebrate Jimmy’s life. Flowers can be delivered to the church Sunday 8 a.m.-12 noon or Monday before the service.