Peter LaPorte

Peter Harlan LaPorte was born in Prescott, IA, to Earl and Pearl (Peterson) LaPorte, on January 18, 1921. He passed away on March 10, 2006 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Funeral services will be Tuesday, March 14, at 11 am, at First Baptist Church in Pillager, with Reverend Bob Ossell officiating. Interment will be at Wildwood Cemetery in Pillager. Friends may visit Monday, March 13, from 5-7:30 pm, at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter and at the church during the hour prior to services.
At the age of 3, his family moved to Pillager, where he lived until 2004, when he moved to Staples. His sister Jane was born in 1928 in Pillager. Harlan married Opal Cole, of Frazee, on September 25, 1943. To their marriage were born four children: Charlene (Rod) Kimball, of Pillager, Kenneth (Carla) LaPorte, of Pillager, Linda (George) Arts, of Walker, and Lauri (Lyle) Jenkins, of Rice.

Harlan took over operation of his dad's dairy farm in 1943, continuing to operate is as a dairy, then a beef farm. In addition to farming, Harlan was a long-time substitute, then full-time mail carrier until his retirement. He was known as the "local expert" in mechanics, electricity, plumbing, carpentry, heating systems, masonry, and veterinary medicine with a license for none but expertise in all. He was always willing to help neighbors, family, and friends with any project. He also operated his own sawmill, doing personal and custom work. Harlan loved deer hunting, and found himself, with the help of Harv, out in his stand this last November. Also an avid fisherman and berry-picker, he enjoyed these activities with friends and family.

Harlan was always involved with community and served in many capacities. He was on the Cass County Soil and Water Board, the Pillager Fair Board, was a township supervisor and assessor, a 4-H leader, volunteer senior driver, involved in the Pillager Senior Citizens, and Widowed Friends. Harlan's greatest pleasure was to spend time with his children and grandchildren, who surrounded him at his death.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Opal, and is survived by his four children and their spouses, along with 18 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and Jim Cole, who was thought of like a son and brother.