Harvey Hjalmer Sunnarborg

Harvey Hjalmer Sunnarborg, age 86, lifelong resident of Esko, MN, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital with his loving family by his side.

Harvey was born at home in Esko, MN, on September 29, 1939, the son of the late Edward and Helen (Jarvi) Sunnarborg. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Esko, MN, in 1958 and afterwards went to work as a millwright at Wood Conversion, then Conwed, and finally USG, retiring after 44.5 years. Additionally, he served 6 years as a member of the US Air Force National Guard.

Harvey was married to Carol Towslee on November 25, 1961, at the Apostolic Lutheran Church in Esko, MN. A devoted family man, Harvey and Carol were together for 65 years and raised 5 children. In his free time, Harvey enjoyed woodworking and carpentry and was known as the Birdman at local craft shows where he sold his bird houses. He also enjoyed gardening, going to the local high school sporting events, and was a lifelong member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church of Esko, MN.

Harvey is survived by the love of his life, Carol Sunnarborg; children, Melanie (Eugene) DeVries, Heather (Paul) Carlson, and Troy (Julie) Sunnarborg; 7 grandchildren, Crystal (Marcus) Farinacci, April (John Kasper) DeVries, Whitney (Joseph) McLaughlin, Dylan (Amarissa) Carlson, Austin (Julieann) Sunnarborg, Lily Sunnarborg, and Ben Sunnarborg; 4 great-grandchildren, Dawson, Gideon, Azrielle, and Marlene; and sister, Luella Puumala; as well as many niece, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his sons, Quinten and Chad Sunnarborg; parents, Edward and Helen Sunnarborg; and siblings, Donald, James, Reynold, Evelyn, and Jean.

Funeral service for Harvey will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Apostolic Lutheran Church in Esko, MN, with visitation from 10 am to the 11 am service, and the burial will immediately follow the service at the Apostolic Lutheran Church Cemetery, with luncheon and fellowship to follow.

Arrangements entrusted to Atkins Northland Funeral Home of Cloquet, Minnesota.