Harlis Emkes

Harlis Emkes, 88, of Montevideo, Minnesota passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025 at Luther Haven in Montevideo. Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 2, 2026 at 10:30 AM at Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church; interment will be at Sunset Memorial Garden Cemetery in Montevideo.

Harlis Marlow Emkes was born June 13, 1937, in Montevideo, Minnesota to Menno and Sabena (Zimmer) Emkes. Harlis was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City. He attended country school and later graduated from Maynard High School. Harlis served our country in the US Army from September 8, 1960 until June 14, 1962 when he was honorably discharged.

Harlis was united in marriage to Sharon Tammen on September 11, 1965, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Clara City. The couple lived in rural Montevideo and began a family. They were blessed with two sons, Daren and Noel.

Harlis’s life was on his farm and with his family. Not only did he crop farm, but he also raised hogs and worked at Cargill. Harlis was on the Havelock Township Board for over 30 years.

Harlis enjoyed fishing and the occasional goose hunt. Harlis’s heart was his family, when his grandchildren and great grandchildren were near, you wouldn’t find a prouder grandfather.

Harlis is survived by his children, Daren (Renae) Emkes of Maynard, Noel (Courtney) Emkes of Clara City; grandchildren, Danielle (Wesley) Oswald, MaKayla (Saam) Huber, Aubree Schoumaker, Hayden Emkes, Landon Emkes; great grandchildren, Laikyn, Brixlee, Maisie; sister, Jerlyn (Dean) Norduane of Wood Lake; brothers and sisters-in-law, Shirley (Wayne) Anderson of Dawson, Dodie (Jim) Sletten of Maple Grove; brother, Mark (Kathy) Tammen of Maynard, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Harlis was preceded in death by his parents, Menno and Sabena; wife, Sharon; brother-in-law, Ronald (Burnell) Tammen.