Obituary of Harlan A. Eggert

Harlan A. Eggert, 82, of Duluth, Minn. passed away Saturday, July 9, 2016, at Solvay Hospice House surrounded by family. Harlan was born April 16, 1934 in Duluth to Albert and Rose (Thompson) Eggert. He graduated from Central High School in 1952 and married Mavis Weiland, his high school sweetheart, on Feb. 20, 1954. He joined the U.S. Navy shortly after getting married and was in an elite corps of Submariners. Harlan's love of boats and pride in being a Submarine Veteran continued throughout his life. After 10 years in the Navy and Naval Reserves, he joined the U.S. Army as a mechanic. He put this skill to use over the years, helping the kids in his life with science projects and pinewood derby cars. He also helped keep cars running for all of his family and friends. Harlan retired from the Army Reserves in 1994 as a Chief Warrant Officer 4. Harlan developed life-long friendships and associations and continued to be an active member of the Submarine Veterans, Power Squadron, Elks Club, and Sand Point Yacht Club. He also loved his standing breakfast dates with the cousins, Mondays at Randy's Cafe, and Fridays at Perkins. Fridays were a busy day with breakfast followed immediately by lunch with the ROMEOs. With Harlan's busy social calendar, the one thing he would drop anything for was his family. He travelled to sporting events and school concerts, and he loved unexpected visits from his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. Harlan's decade-long battle with cancer was no match for his love of life. He never stopped living it. He was inquisitive, loved a good story and a good laugh, and he never stopped making new goals - many of which were uniquely Harlan. One of his last goals was one that he treasured most: making the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. accompanied by family friend Melanie Hannan. Harlan was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ronald, son-in-law Mark Rathke, and nephew Scott Eggert. He is survived by his wife Mavis; children Margo Rathke, Patti (Bill) Miller and Gretchen (Bruce) Koehn; grandchildren Katie (Derek) Mann, Molly Rathke, Sam (Angelica Medina) Rathke, Andrew Kim, Jen (John) Lushbough, Billy (Leanaya) Miller, Brian (Iris) Miller, Judson Koehn and Taylor Koehn; great-grandchildren Caden Rathke, Dylann and Lexi Miller, Jack, Ruby and Lily Lushbough, and Espy Rathke; sister Marlene (Marv) Iverson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A special "Thank You" to Smiley Meehan. Harlan's family is forever grateful for the compassion and exceptional care he received from all of the caregivers at Solvay Hospice House and Dr. Sande. VISITATION: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. gathering of family and friends on Sunday, July 17, and at 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral service Monday, July 18, all at the First Memorial Chapel, 4100 Grand Ave., Duluth, (218) 624-5200.