Matthew John Harju

Matthew John Harju was born on September 16, 1979 in Park Rapids, Minnesota to James and Margaret (Longfors) Harju. On August 20, 2021 Matthew passed away unexpectedly at his home in Becker County rural Park Rapids, Minnesota at 41 years of age. Matthew started school at Osage Elementary and graduated from the Park Rapids High School with the class of 1998. He continued his education at North Western Technical College in Wadena where he received a two year degree in carpentry. On September 29, 2007 Matthew was united in marriage with Victoria Brown at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Park Rapids, Minnesota. Together they made their home in Park Rapids and their marriage was blessed 4 children: Miles, Vivian, Maxwell and Zachary. In December of 2007 Matthew had extensive heart surgery. Matthew enjoyed fishing trips to Canada for many years, hunting, ushering at church and going to Great Northern for breakfast. Matthew worked for many years as a carpenter, explored appliance repair and most recently worked for Skaro Logging. He also enjoyed helping friends with their building projects. Matt and his dad were always tinkering with something on the farm or fixing the tractors, equipment and the go-kart for the kids. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Matthew is survived by his parents, Jim and Margie Harju of Park Rapids; wife, Victoria Harju of Park Rapids; Children: Miles, Vivian, Maxwell and Zachary; Aunts and Uncles: Susie Longfors, Kate Bailly, Alice (Tom) Ressler, Bob (Chris) Longfors and Great Aunt Avis Gobernatz. Cousins: Mike (Helen) Bailly; Sharon Bailly; Paula Latto; Jacob (Holly) Latto; Christian Ressler; Daniel (Val) Ressler; Sheila (Keith) Jacobs; Penny Longfors; Terri (Nathan) Kotila; Randy Longfors; Brian (Amber) Longfors; many other relatives and a host of friends. Preceding Matthew in death were his grandparents: Walter and Vivian Harju, Dorothy Longfors. Aunts and Uncles: John and Jan Longfors, Karen and Art Latto, Larry Bailly and his cousin David Latto.