Harley Pettipiece

Harlan J. "Harley" Pettipiece, age 85, of Faribault, died Friday, November 13, 2009 at the Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis as a result of a cardiac arrest.   Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Faribault, with the Rev. Kevin Finnegan, pastor, officiating. Interment will be held at the Meadow Ridge Memorial Park in Faribault with military honors provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Association.   Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault on Monday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to services.   Harlan John Pettipiece was born July 20, 1924 to Edward and Louise (Pittman) Pettipiece in Faribault.  One of seven children, he attended Immaculate Conception grade school and graduated from Faribault High School in 1943.  He was very proud of where he came from and shared many memories of his childhood and his life with everyone who knew him.   Harley met Gloria Kispert in 1942 at the Nerstrand roller rink.  They were united in marriage on June 14, 1948 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Faribault and spent the next sixty-one years together, raising their five children and dancing up a storm!  They had a magical life together surrounded by family and friends.   Immediately after high school, Harley enlisted in the Navy and served in the Pacific Theater from 1943-1946.  He achieved the rank of Motor Machinist Mate Third Class.  After his discharge from the Navy, Harley worked for several auto repair shops in Faribault.  In 1953, he opened his own business under the name Harley's Radiator and Repair Shop, now Harley's Auto Salvage and Recycling.   Harley was an exemplary citizen, volunteer and leader.  He was a member of the Faribault Aerie 1460 Fraternal Order of Eagles, American Legion Post 43, Faribault Knights of Columbus Council 889, Faribault Rotary Club, the Faribault Flyers Bike Club and served several years on the Faribault City Council. Committed to his faith, he was an active member of Immaculate Conception Church and its Parish Council and continued serving his Lord at Divine Mercy Catholic Church.   Harley faced life head on.  He was adventurous and enjoyed biking, traveling, and visiting with anyone he met.  Even more, Harley enjoyed spending time with family, storytelling, dancing with Gloria, games of cribbage and his business.  He was an avid outdoorsman.  Harley had many early memories of hunting with his brother Francis. They hunted and fished together his entire life.   Harley was devoted to his family and his passing will leave a large empty seat at their gatherings. Always inclusive, never exclusive, Harley's children and grandchildren will cherish their memories and Harley will remain their inspiration and will be the subject of much lively conversation for generations to come. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Pettipiece of Faribault; four children and their families, Chuck Pettipiece of Mankato, MN and his sons, Ryan (and Sara) and their daughter, Abby and Adam (and Shannon) and their daughter, Peyton; Gary Pettipiece of Faribault and his children, Dena (and Tim) and their daughter, Hayden, Cody (and Sheri) and their daughter, Ava, and Kacie; Julie and Michael Karp of Mankato and their children, Tyler, Benjamin, Jonathan and Elizabeth; Jann and Steve Zabel and their sons, Brent and Paul; brother, Francis Pettipiece and sister, Charlotte Schwartz, both of Faribault; and other relatives and friends.   He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mark Pettipiece in 1971; daughter-in-law, Diane Pettipiece in 2007; two sisters, Geneva Fessel and Elaine Schumann; an infant sister, Mary Agnes Pettipiece; and brother, Clayton Pettipiece.