Elwin "Skip" G. Harnstrom, 78, of Eau Claire died Thursday, August 31, 2006, at Dove Healthcare. He was born May 24, 1928, in Chicago, IL, the son of Sigurd and Sarah (Kirk) Harnstrom.\r\nIn his youth he was a pitcher in the minor leagues with the Chicago White Sox. Skip loved the Cubs and was a huge fan of the Green Bay Packers.\r\nHe served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict, from January 1952 until his honorable discharge in January 1955. He served in the reserves until 1960. Serving in Korea, he was in the Battle of Pork Chop Hill where he received the Purple Heart. He also received the National Defense medal, Korean Service medal, and the United Nations Service medal. \r\nHe was very active in the VFW Post #305 where he served on the Honor Guard Squad and the House Committee. Chicken and fish night will never be the same.\r\nSkip married Sylvia L. Lee at Grace Lutheran Church Chapel in Eau Claire on July 6, 1974.\r\nHe was co-owner of Northland Dairy with his father for 25 years, and then worked as a sanitation engineer for a few years. He worked at Eau Claire Academy in maintenance for 18 years until his retirement.\r\nSurvivors include his sister, Shirley Gierek and niece, Sandra (George) Moskaliuk both of Chicago,IL; three step-children, LeAnne Swanstrom of Appleton, John Swanstrom (Shelley Holman) of Woodland Park, Colorado and Bonnie Bertucci of Eau Claire; four step-grandchildren, Lisa (Michael) Rothbauer, Jodi Toske, Roxanne Swanstrom and Marnie (Tristan) Henderson; four great-grandchildren, Cody, Daniel, Christian and Timothy. He has many, many close friends including Scott and Debbie Olson, and Dave and Linda Lamb, all of Eau Claire.\r\nHis very best friend in the whole world was his kitty, "Mickey". His favorite canines were "The Boys" Buddy&Snoopy.\r\nA special thanks to all his close friends at The Healing Place, where he found comfort after his wife's passing. Also a heart filled thanks to Theresa and all his friends at Community Health Partnership for their support and help, God bless you all.\r\nSkip was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sylvia in 2004, and his brother Edward Wegner.\r\n"Skip, we love you, and we will miss you. Until we meet again, May God keep you in the palm of His hand."\r\nFuneral services will be at held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 6, 2006, at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor Rolf A. Nestingen officiating. VFW Post #305 will conduct military honors there following services at the church. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Wednesday at the church.

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