Harley Zahnow • 1929 - 2008

Harley Zahnow, 79, Minot, formerly of Max, died Sunday, March 23, 2008 in a Minot nursing home.

Harley was born on March 20, 1929, the son of Alfred and Ella (Kohlman) Zahnow, on the family farm near Ryder, ND. He was raised and educated in the Ryder and Max, ND areas. He started a career as a custom harvester at the age of 14 by going down south with Harvey Froze. He worked for a period of time for Huettl Brothers garage in Max. In 1948-49, Harley and his brother Ray started Zahow Harvesting and purchased their first combines. They were some of the first self-propelled combines in the area. As time went on, Harley and Ray's business expanded. They then started two separate harvesting businesses, each purchasing an additional combine. Harley continued harvesting until retiring in 1999.

On February 6, 1951, Harley enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served his country until honorably discharged on February 5, 1953. Following his discharge, he returned to the custom harvesting business.

On March 16, 1996, Harley was united in marriage to Bonnie Olson. Together they would custom harvest from Oklahoma to North Dakota. They would spend the winter months in their motor home visiting with Harley's family in Arizona.

Harley enjoyed shooting pool and playing cards, especially pinochle. One of Harley's greatest joys was simply sitting around visiting with family and friends. H was well known as a "talker & teaser". He was a proud family man, and will be missed by all who knew him.

He was a member of the Max American Legion, and attended Our Savior Lutheran Church in Max.

He is survived by: wife: Bonnie Zahnow, Minot; stepsons: Scott (Dana) Olson, Mandan, and Vinson Olson, Fargo, ND; siblings: Ray (Leona) Zahnow, Minot, Vernon (Amy) Zahnow, California, Arlene Bold, Seattle, WA, Betty (Dick) Mooney, Chandler, AZ, Alvin (Esther) Zahnow, Edmonds, WA, Leslie (Linda) Zahnow, Carefree, AZ, Myrna (Ken) Alger, Washington and Alfred (Chris) Zahnow, Mill Creek, WA. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Harley as preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Dora Brevig, Olga Valentine, Vera Siberling, Linda Estes, Donna Zahnow, Melvin Zahnow, Fred Zahnow and Paul Zahnow.

Visitation: There will be no reviewal, but friends may sign a register book on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot

Memorial Service: Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 10 a.m. at the Our Savior Lutheran Church, Max, ND

Burial: Thursday at 3 p.m. at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND.

Officiant: Rev. John Nilsen

Music; Processional hymn "Amazing Grace"
Vocalist Scott Olson to offer:
"How Great Thou Art" and "The Lords Prayer"
Recessional hymn "On Eagles Wings"
Stacy Tomlinson, organist

Honorary Bearers: Harley's family and friends

Active Bearers: Scott Olson, Vinson Olson, Alvin Zahnow, Ray Zahnow, Leslie Zahnow Alfred Zahnow

Military honors accorded by the Minot Air Force Base Honor Guard.

To sign the online guest register for Harley
To view the online guest register for Harley

To view the outside of Harley's folder
To view the inside of Harley's folder

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