John Harju
March 6, 1957 — January 9, 2017
John Harju, 59, of Two Harbors died suddenly on Monday, January 9, 2017 in Two Harbors.
He was born on March 6, 1957 to Erkki and Alli (Kuivasmaki) Harju in Two Harbors where he grew up and attended schools. John worked as a carpenter with his father for many years before going to work for the City of Two Harbors as a heavy equipment operator for over 20 years. On March 16, 1996, he married Penni Slease.
John enjoyed kayaking and cross-country skiing, and participated in several Grandma’s Marathon races. He loved his community and lived his life fully.
He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the Northshore Striders.
Preceding him in death was his father.
John is survived by his wife, Penni; son, Eric; mother, Alli Harju; father and mother-in-law, William and Pamela Slease; brothers-in-law, William (Alice) and Phillip (Cheryl) Slease; special uncle, Juhani (Tuula) Harju; a niece, Maggie; and a nephew, Hunter.
Visitation will be from 5 PM until 7 PM on Friday, January 13, 2017 at Cavallin Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, January 14 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Two Harbors. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Two Harbors Kayak Festival or the Erkki Harju Ski Trail.