Harleth Doetkott

Harleth M. "Mike" Doetkott, age 79 of Burtrum, died Sunday, April 27, 2014 at CentraCare Nursing Home in Long Prairie, Minnesota.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 2 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Upsala with Rev. Trisha Jorgenson officiating. Inurnment will be in Moses Dane Cemetery.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service at church.

Harleth Michael Doetkott was born and raised on the family farm on October 19, 1934 in Burnhamville Township, Todd County, Minnesota to Mike and Bertha (Klug) Doetkott. He graduated from Grey Eagle High School and served 2 years in the Korean War as a supply clerk. He returned home to farm with his brother, Wayne. They milked 80 cows and farmed over 600 acres in the late 1960's and 1970's.

On April 7, 1971 he married Lois Emerson in Long Prairie Minnesota. Mike helped Lois raise her five children. He sold his half of the farm to his brother in 1982. He continued to work for local farmers until 2000, when they "retired" to Casa Grande, Arizona where Mike worked in maintenance at a RV park. They returned to Minnesota in 2005 and set a home on their daughter and son-in-law's farm. He then got a job cleaning rest stops on Interstate 94 for Green Acres.

Lois passed away on November 11, 2007. Mike retired for the final time in 2012. Mike enjoyed his children, grandchildren, and family time the most. In the last decade or so, he showed his interest and talents in gardening. He was one of the most gentle and patient men this world has seen. He will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his children, Raymond (Jennifer) Blake of Newburg, Oregon, Ralph (Susan) Blake of Maple Grove, Roy (Tammy) Blake of Swanzey, New Hampshire, Robin (Larry) Johnson of Burtrum, and Rona Griffin of Champlin; 26 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren; niece, Vicky (Ray) Cihla; and nephew, Michael Carlson.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Doetkott on November 11, 2007; parents; brother, Wayne Doetkott; and sister, Jean Carlson.

Serving as urn bearers will be Ralph Blake and Roy Blake. Honorary bearers will be Mike's grandchildren.