Charles "Chuck" Edward Harstad

He was born in Sioux City, Iowa on March 31, 1939 to Raymond and Beatrice Harstad (nee Motson). Ray, a prominent member of the local business community, and Bea, an elementary school teacher, provided a very stable environment in which Chuck and his twin sister, Carole, thrived until tragedy struck in the form of Ray’s untimely death from cancer in July of 1950.

Both as a result of this tragic event and because of his own internal qualities, Chuck developed traits at a young age which would serve him well in the years and decades to come. He was extremely hard working and independent, paying for his way in life from the tender age of 15. Whether bagging groceries or working alongside his lifelong friend, Dave Adam, polishing cars while in high school, Chuck always seemed to have multiple irons in the fire. Along with his work ethic and independence, he volunteered his time and energy in countless ways over the years. Be it the local athletic association, community groups or industry boards, Chuck volunteered to help. In addition, he was someone people went to for advice. Born with an uncommon amount of common sense, and a passion for helping others, he gladly became a mentor to countless people, both inside and outside of work.

Chuck spent 43 years with 3M, starting in sales. He grew through increasing management positions as Managing Director of 3M Malaysia, General Manager of 3M Armorlite, Vice President of Commercial Office Supplies Division (COSD) and Vice President of 3M Corporate Marketing.

During the twelve years he led COSD, the division bundled products from as many as nine 3M divisions into a single marketing plan, leveraging 3M’s position with their distributors. 3M was repeatedly recognized by their customers as the leading manufacturer serving the industry. Chuck had tremendous pride in his management team’s ability to accomplish global market share positions for 3M products of which other manufacturers in the industry could only dream. During these years leading COSD, he received a number of awards for his many contributions to the industry, including the City of Hope Spirit of Life Award, the Anti-defamation League Torch of Liberty Award and the Business Solutions Associations Legend of the Industry Award.

Chuck enjoyed time with his family and especially enjoyed their times spent vacationing together in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He enjoyed watching, with pride, as his family matured and developed their own lives and those of their families.

While family and work consumed most of his time, he enjoyed being outside working on their 13 acres, often referring to the manual labor as his way of relaxing. He was also a partner in a fly-in fishing camp in Canada where he invited friends and family to enjoy good fishing while creating memories for a lifetime.

He is preceded in death by his twin sister, Carole Faller, and his son, Jeff. Chuck is survived by his beloved wife Donna of 61 years, their daughter Kelly Harstad, Hudson WI and son Curt (Stacey), Vancouver, WA along with five grandchildren (Nicole, Joshua, Allison, Katelyn and Eric) and three great-grandchildren (Lincoln, Odin and Jackson). Donna was his partner at home and at work as she often traveled with Chuck to industry events where she made many lifelong friendships with key customers and their spouses.

Because Chuck would much rather us have a celebratory event than a mournful one, the family will have a celebration of life at a date to be announced in the future rather than a funeral service at this time.

In lieu of flowers, you may consider a memorial to The Pillars Hospice Home, 6025 Upper 35th Street North, Oakdale, MN 55128 or to Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, 1954 University Ave W, St. Paul 55104.