Harriet Englund, age 93, of Cambridge, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 1, 2016, at her home. She joined her husband, Aleck, in heaven on his birthday. A celebration of Harriet’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 9, 2016, at Long Lake Lutheran Church in Isanti. A visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 PM on Sunday, May 8th at Strike Funeral Home – Cambridge Chapel and also 1 hour prior to the service on Monday at church. Interment will be in Long Lake Community Cemetery.
Harriet Delores (Chilman) Englund was born on December 4, 1922, in Isanti Township to Edwin and Mildred (Nystrom) Chilman. Harriet graduated from Cambridge High School in 1941, and in 1942, she married the love of her life, Aleck John Englund. Together, they had seven children. Aleck and Harriet raised their family in St. Paul Park, MN until 1981, when they moved to Cambridge.
Harriet was a loving, kind and gentle person who lived her life in the background, enjoying serving and caring for others. She loved camping in their motorhome, playing cards, Scrabble and listening to polka music, especially the Englund Family Band. She always enjoyed visits from family and friends. For the last few years, she especially enjoyed watching birds, squirrels and her favorite TV shows.
She was so grateful and appreciative for anything everyone did for her, especially for the dedicated love and care given by Brenda and Keith, who lived with her the last four years.
Harriet passed away peacefully on May 1, 2016, after being homebound for three years at the age of 93 years, 4 months and 27 days. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband; parents; brother, Burton Chilman; sisters, Marian Lindberg and Audrey Englund; and two infant great-grandchildren.
She is survived by children: Sharon (Dennis) Stanius, Marlene (Richard) Mitchell, Dale (Gerry) Englund, Dean (Jackie) Englund, Gloria (Jarold) Hempler, Renee (Tim) Merkouris and Brenda (Keith) Plaisance, 30 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Lorraine Beck, and many more relatives and friends.