Obituaries

Verona – Harriet L. Instefjord, age 94, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 19, 2023 in Lansing, IA. She was born in Osseo, WI, on February 4, 1929, the daughter of Lauritz and Mina (Myhre) Oftedahl. Harriet married Alvin Instefjord in LaCrosse, WI on October 25, 1947. Her most beloved role in life was as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She always went out of her way to make others happy, especially her family, whom she loved spending time with. Harriet was a special woman who was welcoming and encouraging to everyone she met. She collected many dear friends during her lifetime and cherished time spent with all of them. Harriet enjoyed traveling. Some of her favorite trips were to Florida with her husband Al, annual family golf reunions but Norway was her favorite. Harriet was an animal lover and had a special fondness for dogs, especially her best dog, Corey. She was involved in her Church helping with dinners, coffee hour, quilting, communion, singing in the choir, and WELCA. Harriet had a wonderful life and left us all with precious memories we will hold close forever.

Harriet is survived by her four children, Carol (Lahcen) Boutni, Cathryn (Dirk) Weber, Connie (David) Bulman, and Jon Instefjord; grandchildren, Leila (Rodney) Doyal, Jamila (Dave) Dozark, Zeina (Lance) Froman, Paul (Catherine) Weber, Brian (Karen) Weber, Scott (Jessica) Weber , Heather Sopousek, Seth (Brittany)Bulman, Kelsey Bulman, Nick (Katie) Instefjord, Sara (Luke) Alexander, Amanda Instefjord, Payton (Brittany) Rockwell, Brittney Rockwell, and Brendan Rockwell; 23 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Alvin Instefjord, an infant granddaughter, Jessica, her parents, Lauritz and Mina Oftedahl; and her four brothers; Duff (Mary), Mel(Dorothy), Reidar(Toy), and Pete(Edie) Oftedahl. Also her in laws; Barb (Fritz) Klatt, Ozzie(Ethelyn) Instefjord, Ag(Jack) Smith, Hilde(Don) Aune, Nord Instefjord, Harold Instefjord, Val Instefjord, Alvina Gere, Julian Instefjord.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH, 427 S. Main St., Verona, with Rev. Peter Narum presiding. A visitation will be held from 9:30am until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Harriet’s name to St. James Lutheran Church, Alzheimer’s Association, or the American Cancer Society.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Verona Chapel

220 Enterprise Drive

608-845-6625