Harlin Maaninga

Harlin Evert Maaninga was born at home in Shell River Township, Menahga, MN, on October 21, 1940. He was the fourth child born to Evert and Saima (Kangas) Maaninga. He was baptized by Pastor Joseph Matta and confirmed his faith at Meadow Apostolic Lutheran Church. 

Harlin learned at an early age what hard work was all about, as he helped his family plow the fields, milk cows by hand, and put up hay. In the winter months, he logged timber and sawed lumber with his neighbors. He later gained employment at the Farmers Coop Elevator in Menahga, MN, where he worked as a feed truck driver for 45 years.

Harlin married his sweetheart, Judy Paurus, on September 24, 1960, in Sebeka, MN. They purchased a dairy farm on the south edge of Menahga, and a few years later they bought Harlin's home farm east of Menahga. Harlin and Judy were blessed with four children: Gregory, Scott, Jonathan, and Heidi. The children all pitched in with the chores that a dairy farm brings.

One of Harlin's greatest joys was being able to go to Finland and visit the farms where his great-grandfather, Lars Pulju, and grandfather, Olaf Maaninga, were born. Harlin fluently spoke the Finnish language. For him, there was nothing more relaxing than taking a bath in the sauna, which was hot almost every day of the week. Harlin loved to hunt deer every fall with his sons, nephews, brother, and brothers-in-law. In his retirement, he kept busy by making firewood and baling and selling hay. He liked to enjoy a cup of coffee while visiting with others. Harlin was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church of Menahga, MN, where he faithfully served his Lord.

Harlin is survived by Judy, his loving wife of 65 years; his dear children: Greg (Tammy) Maaninga of Menahga, MN, Scott Maaninga of Andover, Heidi (Michael) Huotari of Sebeka, MN, and daughter-in-law Rhonda H. Maaninga of Menahga, MN; his precious grandchildren: Carly (Scott) Klicker, Sara (Jesse Swartz) Maaninga, Matthew Maaninga, Zachary (Ashley) Maaninga, Derek (Jennifer) Huotari, Jorah (Madison) Maaninga, Emily Huotari, Maija (Isaiah Hustoft) Maaninga, Jadon (Emma) Maaninga, and Jyrni Maaninga; great-grandchildren: Jonas, Hadley, Paisley, Parker, Matilynn, Violet, Jaxson, Camden, Rosalee, Arlo, Zayden, Harley, Aili, Ezrah, Canah, Shyloh, Xavier, Skylah, Selah, Drake, Arionna, and Skye; and siblings: Jean Tomperi, Alice Kako, and Carolyn Condon, along with many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving son, Jonathan Maaninga; dear grandson Cody Maaninga; and baby granddaughter Rachael Huotari; sisters Arlene, Ellen, Luella, and Mavis; brother Verdie; a brother who died in infancy; and his great-grandparents and grandparents. He will be dearly missed.

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