Harley G. Softing

Harley G. Softing, 79, of Moorhead, MN, was born March 31, 1929, near Rollag, MN. He died October 11, 2008, in MeritCare Hospital after a brief illness. Harley attended school at Hawley, MN, and moved to Fargo, ND, as a teenager. He worked at Fargo Radio and earned his amateur radio license at the age of 14, the start of his lifelong passion for electronics. He served in the Armed Forces from 1951 until 1953 and was stationed in Germany. Harley then returned to Fargo and continued to work at Fargo Radio. He married Janis Bortnem on October 24, 1953 and they built a home north of Moorhead, a place he loved and lived for the rest of his life. In 1961 Harley bought into Elder's Radio Communications. He retired in 1986. Harley was an electronics wiz, could fix anything and was continuously learning new things. In addition, he was a talented artist and enjoyed traveling to take part in art classes and workshops where he met and maintained lifelong friends. Harley was also an amateur Radio Operator HAM and through this hobby met and kept a network of dear friends.He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Janis; four children, Kim Mary Softing, Lake Park, MN, Lee Ann Duane Nelson, Berrien Springs, MI, Sue Al Voelker, Mayville, ND, Jill Joel Carlson, Moorhead, MN; nine grandchildren, Erik and Andrew Softing, Darrin and Melissa Nelson, Jacob and Brody Voelker, Hollyanne and Audrey Heilman and Summer Carlson.Harley was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Eddie and Donald. Harley was a much loved husband, father, grandfather and friend. May he rest in peace.