Harley Eggen

Harley Eggen, age 92, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2025 at Whitefish at the Lakes retirement community in Crosslake, MN.

Harley was born on January 23, 1933 in St. Paul, MN to John and Alice (Bliss) Eggen. When Harley was 6 weeks old, he moved, with his family, to a farm NW of Milaca. Later, at the age of 15, Harley moved to Westbrook, MN with his parents. He graduated from Westbrook HS in 1950 and soon after moved back to Milaca with his parents and helped establish and develop the Eggen’s Direct Service oil business. Harley attended the St Cloud School of Business and studied accounting.

Harley was drafted into the U.S. Army in February of 1953. As Sergeant, he served as Section Chief of radio communications of the 75th field artillery battalion until February 1955.

He married Sonja Warolin on August 13, 1955 at Zion Lutheran Church in Milaca. They were blessed with two daughters, Peggy Marie and Corliss Mae.

Harley was very active in his community and served on many boards, including the First National Bank of Milaca, the Milaca United Way, the Northwest Petroleum Association, Zion Lutheran Church, Milaca Lions Club, Milaca Chamber of Commerce, and Stepping Stones Group Home. Harley was a lifetime member of the Milaca Legion and the Milaca VFW.

Harley was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to ski – whether it was downhill, cross-country or on the water. He enjoyed bowling and golfing and loved reading. But most of all, Harley loved spending time at the cabin with his family.

Harley is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Sonja; his daughters, Peggy (Jeff) Hyytinen, Corliss (Carlos) Diazcadena; grandchildren, Melanie (Brandon) Smieja, Jennifer (Micah) Fransen, Sonja (Chris) Babich, Abigail Diazcadena, Alejandra Diazcadena, Andy Diazcadena; great-grandchildren; Cameron, Elin, James, Weston, Ava, Unto, Elsie, Sophie, and Annika, and many relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Alice, and his brother Allen.

Memorial services will be held Friday, June 13, 2025 at 11 AM at the Zion Lutheran Church in Milaca, MN. Burial with full military honors will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 10 – 11 AM at the church on Friday.

Family is requesting memorials be made in his honor to Zion Lutheran Church of Milaca or the Milaca Scholarship Foundation.