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Bryan Harstad • 1965- 2011 Bryan Lynn Harstad was born December 15, 1965, a son of Harold L. and Shelley Mae (Krupsky) Harstad, in Minot, ND. He was baptized at Christ Lutheran Church in Minot. He was raised and educated in Minot, and was confirmed at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church in Minot. He graduated from Minot High School in 1984. He then attended Minot State University where he completed his Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering in 1987. Following his graduation from Minot State University, he moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where he worked for an injection molding company as a computer program designer. He then worked for various computer companies, including IBM, as a software developer, and with these jobs he would travel all over the world and gained extensive knowledge in computer software and technology. In 1998, Bryan formed his own software consulting firm. With his simplistic outlook and humor, he named it, Just One’s & Zero’s, Inc., specializing in embedded systems and software development. His most recent consulting job was for Datacard Group in Minnetonka, MN. He was the person who wrote the computer programs that made the machine perform its function. He operated his business until the time of his death. At age 35, Bryan had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and due to this had developed neuropathy. He was very accepting of his health issues. He never complained or wanted to trouble anyone during these trying times. Instead, he fought a quiet fight and never backed down. Computer software systems and technology came easy to him. As Bryan said, “I work to live, not live to work.” So the last several years, he would work for a certain period of the year, and then take the rest of the year off. In 2000, he bought a cabin at Douglas Bay, and in 2010, he bought a manufactured home and moved it on the property. He very much enjoyed spending his days there. Bryan was a genius. He was a very intelligent, simple, unique, creative, quiet man. He was a very focused individual and was also a good listener. He also enjoyed challenging himself with complex projects, two projects of which were building a hovercraft and converting a motorcycle into a three- wheeled car, so that he could experience the freedom of driving a Tri-Magnum. He also enjoyed travelling around the world. He took many cruises, and would sail up and down the coasts. He also hosted and was the captain of many houseboat tours of some of the largest rivers and canals throughout the United States and Europe. Surviving family includes: mother, Shelley Harstad, Minot; aunts and uncles, Gordon Krupsky, Willard Krupsky, Valerie Krupsky, Shirley (Vernon) Furgason, Carol (Phillip) Perry, Ardis Harsche, and Marie (David) Schmitcke; and numerous cousins.
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Bryan Harstad, 45, Minot, ND, passed away Monday, October 31, 2011, at the University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN, following a stroke while waiting for a heart transplant.