John Haverland

John Lester Haverland, age 87, of Perham, MN, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026 in Fargo, ND.

John was born on May 30, 1938, the oldest child of Harold and Irene (Lund) Haverland at home in Abercrombie, ND. He attended grade school in Galchutt ND and graduated from Abercrombie ND high school with the class of 1956.

On May 27,1961, he was united in marriage to Joyce Ann Isackson in Galchutt, ND.

John had many careers throughout his life. He began in road construction, shifted to buying and selling antiques and then to farm machinery, joking along the way, “I buy junk and sell machinery." His path eventually led him to automobiles, and he became well known for owning Haverland Motors in Perham, MN, which he and Joyce operated for 32 years. John and Joyce loved being snowbirds in Arizona for over 40 years and treasured the friendships they made there.

Those who knew John will remember that he rarely ever missed a lutefisk dinner, a church fellowship coffee hour, or any gathering where the conversation was lively and the food was plentiful. He had a knack for finding the best food, best stories, and the best company, usually all in the same place. John was often out and about, especially if there were auctions to visit or if it was a good day for a long drive. And if he happened to be out for a drive, you never knew when he might show up at your door, ready for a visit.

John is survived by Joyce, his loving wife of 64 years, and sons: Jeff (Pam), Joe (Judy), Johnny (Michelle). Grandchildren: Nicole (Blaine) Hardy, Kayla (Justin) Keil, Ty (Rhiana) Haverland, Stephanie Kaatz (David Parker Jr.), Joshua (Ashley) Haverland, Rylie (Daniel) Bogner, Ashley Green and Christopher (Stephanie) Green. Great grandchildren: Griffin, Archie, Madoc, Easton, Jay, Baker, Boone, Channing, Letty, Mason, Isabelle, Jace, Brooklyn, Davis, Cason and Lauren. Brothers: Harley (Marlene) Haverland, Marlowe (Belva) Haverland, Russell Haverland. Sisters: Sherryl (Jim) Klein, Janelle (Gary) Torgerson and Kathy (Rick) Matchinsky. Brothers-in-law: Gary (Gail) Isackson, Mitch (Melonie) Rhodenbaugh. and exchange-student: Patrick (Antonina) Mendis.

John was preceded in death by his parents Harold & Irene along with a host of other family and friends.

Visitation will be on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at New Creation Lutheran Church, 295 Coney Street W in Perham, MN at 10:00 with a memorial service following at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to New Creation Lutheran Church. However, if it were up to John, he would prefer you save your money and perform a random act of kindness or do something to help others!

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