C. Blaine Harstad, a well known eminent domain (condemnation) attorney at Gray Plant Mooty, died at home in Minneapolis on April 19th, 2008 after a valiant and brave fight with COPD (Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease). He died in the presence of his entire immediate family and was comforted until his death. Blaine is survived by his wife of 46 years - Karyne Quast Harstad - originally from Alexandria, Minnesota, and two children - Margaret Marie Harstad (Hans Peter Johnson, i.e. “Hansi”) of Carlton, Minnesota, and Kathryn Kristin Harstad (Mike Elggren) of Salt Lake City, Utah. He was predeceased by his parents - James T. “Tac” Harstad and Myrtle Kvammen Harstad of Harmony, Minnesota. Blaine is survived by his oldest brother - James T. Harstad and his wife, Harriet Eickhoff Harstad, of Harmony, Minnesota, and their children - James, Mary, Rachel and Ruth - grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by an older brother - John Bruce Harstad and his wife, Beverly Crisp Harstad, of Frederick, Maryland.
Blaine was born at the farm home near Harmony, Minnesota on December 27, 1928. He attended a one-room, Fillmore County country school (District No. 39) near Harmony, and Harmony High School, where he graduated in 1945. He then attended Luther College at Decorah, Iowa from which he graduated in 1948. Blaine taught high school in Granite Falls, Minnesota (1948-1950); followed by a stint as a radio announcer, disc jockey and everything else at Radio Station KTRF in Thief River Falls, Minnesota (1950-1951); followed by service as a sergeant in the U.S. Army-Signal Corps (1951-1953) (Korean Conflict), stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington, Camp Gordon, Georgia and Camps Roberts, Cooke and San Luis Obispo in California; followed by another stint as a radio announcer and disc jockey at Radio Station WEAU in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He entered law school at the University of Minnesota with benefits from “the GI Bill” in 1953, was President of the Minnesota Law Review, and was graduated in 1956. He was with the Minneapolis law firm of Mackall, Crounse & Moore (1956-1961); the Minneapolis law firm of MacLaughlin & Harstad (1961-1971) (formerly MacLaughlin & Mondale); and the Minneapolis law firm of Harstad and Rainbow (1971–1991). In 1991, that firm merged into the Minneapolis law firm of Gray Plant Mooty, where he practiced law until his death.
He served as President of the Hennepin County (Minneapolis, Minnesota) Bar Association; as President of the Hennepin County Historical Society; as a member of the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission; as a Trustee of the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, Iowa; as a member of Central Lutheran Church; as a member of the Torske Klubben, a Minneapolis Norwegian luncheon club; and in many other organizations.
Blaine had many interests such as golfing, going to the State Fair, traveling to the cabin and other places, meeting friends for dinner, going to Torske Klubben and “walking” around the lake in his electric cart. He was a great father and husband and friend to many. He influenced and affected all those around him and was always inquisitive, caring and non-judgmental of all that came before him. Blaine is a role model for us all and we can learn from his actions and the way he lived his life.
Blaine is proud of his headstone, stating that it is “interesting and unusual.” He would advise you to visit it at Lakewood Cemetery, Section 40, Lot 518. For details, click here to read the Star Tribune editorial.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the C. Blaine Harstad Scholarship Fund, University of Minnesota Law School, Development Office, 229 19th Ave. S., Mpls, MN 55455, (612) 625-5387 OR the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, P.O. Box 379, Decorah, Iowa 62101, (563) 382-9681.
Visitation was held at Washburn-McReavy Davies Chapel on Sunday, April 27th, 2008. Funeral Services held at Central Lutheran Church, Monday, April 28th. Interment at Lakewood Cemetery immediately following service. Reception at 3 pm at the Woman's Club near Loring Park.
In Memoriam: C. Blaine Harstad
