Harrell Defries

Harrell Defries was born January 13,1936, in Minneapolis, MN, the son of Otto and Gladyce Defries. He grew up and graduated high school in Redwood Falls, MN. He served in the Army during the Korean conflict and studied math and engineering at the University of Minnesota. After getting married in 1958, Harrell and Marge Defries settled in Bloomington, MN, to start a family. Also, Harrell started his career working as an underwriter manager for Wausau Insurance Company. In 1981, they were one of the first couples to buy a timeshare at Breezy Point and fell in love with the area. After retiring, they built a home here and have been living here for the last 20 years. Harrell enjoyed golf, spending time at the Legion, and Friday night bingo at Lucky's in Pequot Lakes. He was known for his sense of humor and liked it when you gave the business back to him. 

Harrell is survived by his wife, Marge; two sons, Jon (Terri) Defries of Burnsville, MN, and Matt (Angela) Defries of Bigfork, MT; and two grandchildren, Jacey Defries and Chloe Defries. 

Harrell is preceded in death by his parents and his 90-year-old brother, Byron, who passed away only 3 days before him.

A celebration of Harrell's life will be held on Saturday, July 12th, 2025, at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Pequot Lakes. The visitation will begin at 10am with the service at 11am and lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Legion Post 49- Pequot Lakes, MN.