Harlen E. Vollum

Harlen E. Vollum, age 82, of Williston, and former resident of New Rockford, North Dakota, passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2010 after a courageous battle with Cancer. Harlen was born May 26, 1928, in Osnabrock, North Dakota, The son of Henry and Josephine (Johnson) Vollum. He was raised and educated in Williston, North Dakota. Harlen then joined the U.S. Navy in March of 1946. During his whole life, he was an avid carpenter and worked in many states, such as New Jersey, Colorado, California, just to name a few. He went where the jobs took him. His home was always Williston, North Dakota. After retiring, he returned to his roots and continued to work with his hands to stay busy doing wood working. Many items he would make would be for his daughter Cheryl to include two full size wishing wells for her gardens. Even for himself, he would have a talent to make many a designer walking canes and sticks to help him walk in later life. His other favorite pastime would be to go fishing and gardening. Harlen was also a true cowboy fan; enjoying anything western. Later in life, staying at home watching old cowboy movies every chance he got. Harlen is survived by his children, Cheryl Zafke and her husband Paul of Emerado, North Dakota; Lois Strehlow and her husband Dan of Burnsville, Minnesota; sisters, Margaret Hoey of East Setauket, New York, Hazel Pariak of Ohio, Dorothy Olson of Florida, and Elvina Rolla of Wisconsin; six granddaughters; one great grandson. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother Percy (Bud) Vollum; sister Violet Ruth (Vollum) Lee; and his best four legged friend for life, Daisy. Upon his last wishes, he requested no memorial or service of any kind. His body to be cremated. "He stood at the threshold of heaven on high, a carpenter's hammer and a saw at his side. The clothes on his shoulders were threadbare and worn, and his old leather apron was empty and torn. The carpenter bowed to the great master's call, and laid to the side his hammer and saw. He welled in emotion, no words could he say, So he fell to his knees and he humbly prayed. The lord said, no rise up before me and come take my hand, I'll show you my promise of a glorious land. Lay down your old apron for your labors are through, Come home to this mansion that I've built here for you." (excerpt from "the Carpenters Prayer" lyrics by Eddie Carr)