John C. Harju

Memorial Service for John C. Harju, 62, of Embarrass will be 10:30am Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora with Pastor Marlin Bjornrud officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:30am. Inurnment will be in the Embarrass Cemetery. John died unexpectedly on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at Essentia Health – Virginia. John was born October 1, 1953 in Minneapolis, MN to Emil and Marion (Dorff) Harju. He attended school in Embarrass and following consolidation, was a 1971 graduate of Babbitt High School. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Technology from Bemidji State University. John worked construction for 30 years as a superintendent for Lenci Enterprises and Max Gray Construction. On June 28, 1975 he married Barbara Jean Haberman in Aurora, and made their home in Embarrass. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. John was very proud of his sausage making. He also enjoyed showing his classic cars at car shows. But most of all he cherished his family, especially his grandchildren, and friends and neighbors in the community. John was always up for a competitive game of cards or cribbage. Survivors include his wife, Barb; daughter, Lindsey (Tim) Klegstad of Silver Bay; grandchildren, Crosby and Kinley; brother, Glenn (Vivian Vasiljevic) Harju of Biwabik; several sisters and brothers in law, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and twin granddaughters, Kailie and Nevaeh.