Harland Bjugan

Harland Bjugan was born on March 21, 1940 in Faribault, Minnesota to Harold and Cora (Shelstad) Bjugan. He lived with his family on a farm near Moland, Minnesota, and was baptized at Moland Lutheran Church. At age six, the family moved from Moland to a farm near Wanamingo, Minnesota. He attended country school through the sixth grade, and then attended Wanamingo public school. On May 21, 1955, he was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church. While in high school, he participated in 4-H, band, choir, FFA, football, and basketball. After his graduation in 1958, he attended Luther College, graduating in 1962 with a BA in Mathematics and Physical Education. While at Luther, he joined the Marine Corps reserve, receiving his honorable discharge in 1966.
In 1962, Harland started teaching Math and Phys Ed and coached in Rake, Iowa. There he met English teacher, Mary Lou McLain. They were united in marriage on July 14, 1963 at Opdal Lutheran Church in Florence, Minnesota. In 1966, they moved to Jasper, Minnesota where he took a job teaching Math and Computer Science, as well as coaching. In 1992, when Jasper High School closed, his job was moved to Pipestone-Jasper School District. Six years later he retired from teaching, but couldn’t stay away from the school and his students. He took a part time job in instructional technology support at Pipestone Area School, retiring from that position in 2017. Throughout his career, he coached more than 70 seasons and spent over 40 years as a High School League official.
Harland entered the care of the Pipestone County Hospice House in Pipestone and passed away peacefully on Monday, November 4, 2019 at the age of 79 years, seven months, and 14 days.
He was a member of Jasper Evangelical Lutheran Church where he sang in choir, served as a Sunday School teacher, and Sunday School Superintendent. He was also a member of the church council, serving as financial secretary, treasurer, vice president, and president.
He was an original member of the Jasper Lions, was a member of the American Legion and served 35 years with the Jasper Ambulance Association. He was a lifetime member of the MSHSCA (MN State High School Coaches Assocation), MEA, and NEA. He received numerous honors from area coaches’ associations. Throughout his life, he loved golfing, exploring new technology, and his students (past and present). He was an avid Vikings and Twins fan.
Harland is lovingly remembered by his wife, Mary Lou; two daughters, Tracie (Marcus Gillette) Bjugan of Sherwood, Oregon, and Kelly (JJ) Hudson of Princeton, West Virginia; and three grandchildren, Kasen BjuganGreen, Kyler BjuganGreen, and Annika Hudson. He is survived by a sister, Lovey (Darrell) Nesseth; two brothers, Marvin (Carol) Bjugan and Larry (Amy) Bjugan; and one brother-in-law, Bud Schaefer. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Marie Schaefer.