Harland Morrison

Minot

Harland Morrison, 90, Minot, ND, passed away Friday, May 8, 2026, at a care center in Velva, ND.

Harland Grant Morrison, son of Harold and Helen (Jacobson) Morrison, was born March 6, 1936, in Granville, ND.

Harland served with the Army and Army National Guard, 164th Infantry Battalion, during the Berlin Crisis. He was honorably discharged from service as a Seargent in 1965.

He married Ellen Yesenko in Granville, ND, on August 11, 1961.

He retired from Civil Service at the Minot Air Force Base in 1992.

A self-taught musician, he played rhythm and bass guitar for over 40 years with bands in the area, including the band he formed, The Jolly Musicians. In later years, he took up the steel guitar, which he loved, and played with the Old Timers Band and at jam sessions with traveling bands.

His best times were spent with his five beloved grandchildren, telling them stories and teaching them some of his magic tricks. He bought each one of them a guitar to carry on his love of music.

Harland was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Minot, the Granville American Legion, and a past member of the Eagles and Moose Lodge, Minot.

His loving family includes: wife, Ellen; daughters, Barbara O’Malley and Diane (Robb) Ralston, and Amy (Tim) Rietveld; grandchildren, Mallory and Michael O’Malley, Peyton Ralston, Keegan and Kaden (Tessa) Rietveld; brothers, Rodger, Doran, and Jack (Audrey) Morrison; sister-in-law, Aileen Morrison; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Richard and Robert; sisters-in-law, Betty Burgard and Connie Morrison; son-in-law, Randy O’Malley; and nephews, Steve and Scott Morrison.

Traditional Funeral: Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 10:30 am at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot. Burial: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot. Visitation: One hour prior to the service.

Memorials: are preferred to Magic City Discovery Center, 1545 1st St NW, Minot, ND, 58703.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 11, 2026.