Harlan Richard Ritter

Harlan Richard Ritter, age 88, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. Born and raised in the Sauk Centre and Alexandria area, Harlan was the eldest of six siblings and a role model to his brothers and sisters.

From a young age, Harlan's passion for farming was evident. He saved diligently to purchase his first heifers and later worked at Stenzel's Firestone Tire Shop. In 1960, he married Alice Hofferbert, and together they bought a farm in Forada, Minnesota. While raising four children, Harlan balanced his work at the tire shop with dairy farming, choosing Guernsey cows-a rare choice that proved successful. After selling the farm, he moved to St. Paul Park to work at his cousin's cold storage business.

In 1982, Harlan married Lois Larsen and settled in Cottage Grove. He transitioned to dispatch roles at several trucking companies, ultimately retiring from Transport Design at age 70. Harlan's love for farming never waned; he became an avid collector of Percheron horses, John Deere tractors, steam equipment, toy tractors, tokens, tobacco tabs, and more. Whenever he started a new collection, he would part with the previous one, always finding success in his pursuits. When Lois inherited her family farm in Bottineau, North Dakota, Harlan began collecting farmland there and quickly grew fond of the area, forging new friendships and visiting often. He could talk about farming for hours and cherished every moment spent in Bottineau.

Harlan is survived by his children: Robin Overby (Steve) of Kent, WA; Jay Ritter (Kristi) of Carlos, MN; Aarin Distad (Brian) of White Bear Lake, MN; eleven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Lois; his parents, John Ritter and Minnie and Howard Way; sister, Karen Ratcliff; son John M. Ritter; stepson Craig Larsen; and stepdaughters Linda Wilson and Debra Richert.

A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Kok Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 7676 80th Street South, Cottage Grove, MN 55016. Food will be served at 2:30 p.m. in the funeral home community room. All are invited to join.