Harry (Jim) James Haselius, age 85, went home to be with his Heavenly Father on March 31, 2026. Harry was born May 13, 1940 to Harry W. Haselius and Marceille (Okerstrom) Haselius in Minneapolis, Minnesota. At age 6, the family moved up North to Federal Dam for two years. The family returned to the Twin Cities where Harry Sr., a carpenter, constructed Harry’s childhood home in Mounds View on 10 acres of land.

Harry graduated from Mounds View High School in 1958. He attended the University of Minnesota for one year before enrolling in the electrical construction program at Dunwoody Institute, where he graduated in 1961. As a journeyman electrician, Harry was employed by Weber Electric for the majority of his career. He proudly worked for 40 years as a commercial union electrician, IBEW Local 110, retiring in 2001.

Harry met the love of his life, Esther Michaelson, in 1962 at a wedding and they married June 18, 1966 at East Balsam Baptist Church, Balsam Lake, WI. They lived 3 years in New Brighton before purchasing 10 acres near Lindstrom, MN. There, Harry designed and constructed his own family’s home, playing multiple roles as architect, material scavenger, general contractor, electrician and laborer. He raised his family and enjoyed this property for 57 years, before entering senior living at Point Pleasant Heights, in Chisago City, Minnesota.

Harry enjoyed coin collecting, searching for buried treasure with his metal detector, hosting large family gatherings in their yard, boy scouts, camping, canoeing, hunting and fishing. He also has restored several vintage cars.

Harry was baptized as a believer in Jesus at the age of 18. He along with his family were founding charter members of Lakes Free Church in Lindstrom, MN in 1985. His dedicated faith led him to volunteer countless hours of labor in developing this new church plant. Harry’s skillful work combined with his passion for the Lord drew him to serve on several mission trips to Montana, New Orleans, Venezuela, China, Thailand, and four trips to Guatemala.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents; younger brother Tom; and younger sister Lois (Pischke). He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Esther; son Kevin (Tracy) and grandchildren Kaitlyn, Erik, Jason; son Brian (Tina) and grandchildren Hillary, Adam, Tyler; son Mark (Allison) and grandchildren Ethan, Heather, Heidi; and daughter, Nancy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Compassion International, or Youth Haven, Rives Junction, Michigan.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, April 9th at 11:00 AM at Lakes Free Church in Lindstrom, MN. Visitation will be 1 hour prior. Burial will be at Kost Cemetery at a later date.

Last Update: Apr 07, 2026 8:32 am CDT