Harriet Plekkenpol of Shakopee passed away peacefully on January 5th, 2023 while singing her favorite hymns and prayers. She was 93 years old. Harriet was a wonderful woman and will be deeply missed by all who loved her.
A Christian funeral will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 11am with visitation from 9-11am at Mt. Olive Evangelical Lutheran Church in Shakopee. Pastor John Stelljes will preside. Harriet will be laid to rest at Valley Cemetery in Shakopee. Her grandchildren will act as pallbearers.
On June 28, 1929, Harriet Johanna Ruehling was born to parents Fred and Hannah (Scharf) Ruehling. She was baptized and confirmed at Friedens Lutheran Church in New Prague. Harriet was the 3 rd of 4 children and she loved growing up on the family farm with her siblings Caldwell, Betty and Mary. She graduated from New Prague High School.
As a young woman, Harriet loved to go to the local dances. There she met the love of her life Carl Plekkenpol. Harriet and Carl exchanged vows at Friedens Lutheran Church on June 18, 1952. Their marriage was blessed with 52 years and two wonderful sons, Roger and Robert.
For the early years of her life, Harriet was a stay-at-home mom, where she would raise chickens to sell the eggs. With a large garden for fresh vegetables, she canned many of them, especially lots of pickles. Sundays were for going to church, teaching Sunday School and then a Sunday chicken dinner.
Carl and Harriet took their boys on many road trips out west to South Dakota, Yellowstone and Colorado. Going up north with family and cousins was an all-time favorite with fishing and listening to Johnny Cash on the record player in the evenings. She also loved going to garage sales to find that unique treasure.
A dedicated mother, she helped her son Robert (Bob) after a severe accident that left him handicapped. She was there for him through his whole life of hardship and triumphs.
Harriet was determined to get her drivers license and start a career over in midlife. One day she said I am going to be a realtor and she did it. She enrolled in classes, passed the tests and went on to find a passion selling real estate for over 30 years. Helping others get that perfect home and always being honest is what she loved about the profession.
Carl and Harriet owned a cabin in the Brainerd Lakes area for many years. This was a blessing she enjoyed, hanging out with the grandkids. UNO was the card game of choice, with UNO still being played at family gatherings to this day. The campfires at night, roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, sharing stories and singing songs were her favorites.
When her beloved Carl passed away in 2004, it was her strong faith and positive attitude that got her through this difficult time. She continued her real estate career and lived in her country home independently until the age of 93.
Harriet loved to talk on the phone in her later years especially during the Covid years as she wasn’t as mobile. She was so grateful to the many friends and family that would call her and talk for hours.
Harriet was often referred to by many as a strong woman but there was also a soft side of a loving and nurturing wife, mom and grandmother who was faithful to her family.
She will be remembered always by her loving family as an inspiration for us all.
Harriet is survived by her son, Roger (Vickie) Plekkenpol; grandchildren, Bonnie Derendal, Lisa (Jake) Hovden, Mike (Kasie) Plekkenpol, Richard (Jena) Plekkenpol, Neil Plekkenpol, Anna Plekkenpol, Jeff Plekkenpol; 12 great grandchildren and Sister Mary Koepp.
She is greeted in heaven by her husband, Carl; son, Robert (Bob) Plekkenpol; parents, Fred and Hannah Ruehling; brother, Caldwell (Leona) Ruehling; sister, Betty (Henry) Jabs; grandson-in-law, Chris Derendal and brother-in-law, Fred Koepp.
