Harlen H. Renken, 84, a longtime Stewartville,MN area farmer died on Wednesday (1/8/2025) of natural causes at Mayo Clinic Rochester – St.Marys Campus.

Harlen was born on November 30, 1940 in Stewartville to Oliver and Irene(Lowrie) Renken. He grew up on the family farm, attended country and Stewartville schools graduating from SHS in 1958. He attended the Minneapolis School of Business and following his graduation was employed at Brown Bigelow Co. in Mpls. before returning to Stewartville. Harlen was married on June 24, 1967 at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Smiths Mill,MN to Joyce C. Krueger. Following their marriage the couple lived in rural Rochester before moving to High Forest Twsp where they farmed. In 1987 they moved to the Renken Family Farm with their daughter Heidi, where they farmed and have continued to make their home. Harlen farmed for over 50 years. In addition to being a homemaker, Joyce was employed as an RN with Mayo Clinic at the Rochester Methodist Hospital for 37 years. Harlen was a longtime member of Homestead United Methodist Church in Rochester, and a member of the Stewartville Masonic Lodge #203. Harlen served on the Stewartville School Board for 12 years. He was a member of the Stewie Cruisers and enjoyed showing his 1983 Monte Carlo and hot rodding occasionally with his brother. He was an Allis Chalmers farmer and proudly took on the renovation of his grandfather’s barn on the Renken Century Farm. He regularly followed the news, current events, and politics throughout his life. Harlen enjoyed visiting with friends and neighbors and loved time spent with family and especially enjoyed going to his grandchildren’s school and sporting events.

Harlen is survived by his wife of 57 years – Joyce and daughter Heidi(Brian) Burdick of Mazeppa,MN; 3 grandchildren – Alex Burdick, Hayden Burdick and Brooklyn Burdick; 2 sisters and 2 brothers – Olvin “Jiggs” Renken of Stewartville; Sister-in-law, JoAnn Renken, Linda(Bruce) Bucknell of rural Racine,MN and Debby(Daren) Whipple of High Forest,MN and Randy(Vicki) Renken of FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister – Donna Wolf and brothers – Marlo Renken, Robert Renken and Ronald Renken.

A time of visitation for family and friends will take place from 4 to 7:00 P.M. on Thursday (January 16, 2025) at Griffin-Gray F.H. in Stewartville. A private family burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Stewartville on Friday (January 17, 2025). Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray F.H. in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Harlan are welcome at ww.griffin-gray.com