Harlan Duane Wold

Harlan Duane Wold, 84 passed away peacefully on July 16, 2020 at his home in Anchorage, Alaska surrounded by family, following a 12-year battle with cancer. Harlan was born to parents Haakon Wold and Alma Wold (Christianson) on May 6, 1936 in Badger, Minnesota, the second child and only boy amongst 7 siblings. Harlan grew up on a farm, and graduated from Crookston Minnesota Agricultural school. He worked with his father on the farm, and also building houses in Minnesota and then began coming up to work in Anchorage during the summers from 1956, returning to Minnesota every winter. He was drafted into the Army and honorably discharged following his father’s death in 1959 when he returned home to look after his mother and sisters. In Alaska, he worked many different jobs, including at Arctic Air Cargo where he was the load master for three aircraft including “the flying bull”, and later for various construction companies like Cheney brothers, Rogers and Babblers, and Ken Hinchey. He had the reputation of being the best grader operator in the state and was a member of the International 302 Union of Operating Engineers for 62 years. He started Northern Asphalt Construction in 1966 with partners Bill Cumberledge, Dennis Dunham, and later Oliver Eastwood. Harlan became the sole owner in 1995 following his partners retirement and remained actively working in the business with his son Wayne until 2020. Northern Asphalt paved roads all across Anchorage for decades including key roads like C Street in 1971. It remains a family business and the oldest paving company active in Alaska to this day. Harlan was married on May 29, 1971 to Juliana (Willams / Tozier), also of Anchorage and they celebrated their 49th Anniversary this year. He was a family man, and enjoyed supporting his kids’ sports sponsoring his son Wayne in the Iron Dog for many years. He loved country music, Nascar, Las Vegas, playing in the stock market and riding Arctic Cat snow machines. A passionate Ford enthusiast, he owned numerous Fords with everything from a 1929 Model A through to his latest red 2020 F250 pickup. He loved time at the family cabin on Lake Lucille, Wasilla, driving his pontoon boat with a Miller-Lite beer and hosting the infamous Lake Lucille 4th of July International Horseshoe tournament. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother in law Elmer Dahl; Survived by his wife Juliana; daughter Christine Tozier, of Anchorage; son Wayne Wold and wife Shawna with grandchildren Haakon, Aubrey and Jordyn of Wasilla; daughter Cheryl Rennick, husband Gavin with grandchildren Declan and Dax of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by his six sisters, Arlys Bessler (Dick); Darlene Honl; Marva Debe; Ginny Guldberg (Glen); Shelley Dahl; Denise Robeck (Bob) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Harlan was known to all as a quiet spoken, hardworking, kind and generous man who loved a good party and a beer and spending time with his family. He loved his life in Alaska and remained connected to his roots on the farm in Minnesota. He was liked by all, and touched the lives of many. A great man of few words, with a big heart that made the world a better place and leaves behind a lasting legacy. May he Rest in Peace. A small viewing will be held at the Evergreen Chapel at 737 E Street on Friday July 24, from 11AM to 12:30, and a grave site service will be held at St Angelus Cemetery off Klatt Road at 1PM following. Given COVID restrictions, a celebration of Harlan’s life will be held next 4th of July at the Wold Family Cabin on Lake Lucille in Wasilla. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity. Anchorage, Alaska

May 6, 1936 - July 16, 2020

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Harlan Duane Wold

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