Waldemar Harmening

Waldemar Bud was born April 2, 1927, the middle of three children of William and Dorothy (Kilkemeier) Harmening. He grew up in rural Sleepy Eye.

 On June 21, 1952, Bud was united in marriage to Illa-Mae Trebesch. They raised their four children near Sleepy Eye on the turkey farm he operated for over twenty-five years. They enjoyed camping, boating, and water skiing, snowmobiling and especially traveling on their motorcycles and spending winters in Arizona. Illa-Mae preceded him in death in 1993.

 While wintering in Arizona he met Jean Menard. She filled the empty spot in his heart and life. They were married on June 25, 1994. Bud and Jean spenty many years traveling between Minnesota, Yuma, Arizona, and Yakima, Washington. They eventually settled in Yakima where Jean's family adopted him as their own.

 Bud had many interests and talents that he shared through the years. He was an avid gun collector, enjoyed dancing of various forms (ballroom, square dancing or line dancing). He taught himself music and played the hammer dulcimer and the bass guitar for a small band, entertained in nursing homes and at the RV park.

 He learned to do stained glass and soon found himself assisting the instructor redoing or creating many church windows in the Sleepy Eye area. He continued to create many beautiful stained glass pieces well into his 90's.

 Bud is survived by his wife Jean, sister Alice Krzmarzick, son-in-law Don Olson, children Gary (Kim) Harmening, Debbie Christensen, and Wendy Harmening (Nels Erickson), along with stepchildren Leeinda (Mike) Thomas, Michael Menard (Kathy), Lela (Mark) Simon, Chuck Menard (Carla), plus in-laws and three generations of grandchildren.

 Preceding him in death were his parents, brother Gilbert, first wife Illa-Mae, daughter Connie Olson, grandson Tony Menard along with many in-laws.

 Bud will be remembered as a kind and gentle man who never had a harsh word to say, but sure loved a good joke.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Redeemer Lutheran Church's building fund. Bud's wish was for his church to add its missing steeple. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Waldemar Harmening, please visit our flower store.