Minar Himlie

Minar Dale Himlie, 81, of Rushford, died Wednesday, June 29th at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in LaCrosse, Wis. He was born on July 20th, 1923, in Peterson, Minn. to Lars and Mina (Ferden) Himlie. He had served in the U.S. Army during World War II at the Far East Theater. He married Lyla Kopperud on January 26, 1952 in Rushford. Minar was a skilled carpenter and mason. He learned his trade from his father and brothers. Prior to that time he farmed with his family. Minar worked for Himlie Construction and was a self employed carpenter until his retirement. Minar was an artist with wood, creating and designing many one-of-a-kind items for his children and grandchildren. Up until the age of 78, Minar enjoyed mowing his yard, planting Morning Glories, caring for his flowers, and baking cookies. Everyone around him enjoyed his unique sense of humor. Minar was a member of Rushford Lutheran Church where he served as a past council member. He is survived by six children: Barbara (Steven) Burke of Viroqua, Wis., Douglas (Patty) Himlie of Lacey, Wash., Todd (Kay) Himlie of Harmony, Minn., Duane (Geri) Himlie, Ross (Fay) Himlie and Teresa Himlie, all of Rushford; twelve grandchildren: Matthew, Briana, Angela, Sarah, Elizabeth, Kirstin, Sonia, David, Alyssa, Michael, Nell and Leah; one great-granddaughter, Kaleah; step grandchildren: Dawn (Rick) Olson of LaCrosse and Sheila (Terry) Olson of Viroqua, Wis.; Three step-great-grandchildren: Ryan, Megan and Ashlee; two brothers: Wallace (Arleen) Himlie of Rushford and Vince (Geri) Himlie of Shelton, Wash.; sisters-in-law and nieces, nephews and Aiko Murai an exchange student from Japan. Minar was preceded in death by his wife Lyla, three sisters: Martha, Lillian and Marjorie; five brothers: Orren, Lawrence, Earl, George and Roger; one grandson, Joshua and one step-great-grandson, Adam. A quote from Minar - "You should see what I saw".