Harley E. Caldwell, 91 of Hawick died January 30, 2026 at GlenOaks Care Center in New London. A Celebration of Life will be announced in the spring with a graveside service at Roseville Cemetery in Hawick. Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville.

Harley Elmer Caldwell was born on 29 August 1934, at the Caldwell family farm, on Highway 23 near Hawick, MN. He was the second son of Virgil and Mildred (Farnum) Caldwell. Harley spent his early years on his parents’ farm in Hawick and later moved back onto the Caldwell family farm as a teenager. He attended Paynesville High School, where he participated in track and field, graduating in 1952. Following high school, Harley worked various jobs while working on the family farm. ln 1955, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving two years of active duty ending at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado. His reserve obligation was transferred to the USAR MN Military District, which ended in 1963 with an honorable discharge. Harley liked the Colorado Springs area and chose to remain there, finding work in construction and the railroad. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Sandra Rison. The two were married on May 29,1958, in Colorado. Over the years, they lived in Colorado, the Twin Cities, and Willmar before eventually returning to Hawick. There, they purchased the Caldwell family farm, allowing them to raise their four children on the land where Harley had spent much of his own childhood. ln 2022, the Highway 23 four lane project required the purchase of their Century Farm home, so Harley and Sandy moved to independent living at Glen Oaks in New London. Throughout his life, Harley farmed and worked in construction. He was a founding partner in two asphalt contracting companies: C & S Blacktop, established in 1967 and still in operation today, now owned by his partner’s daughter; and Superior Blacktop, which he started with his friend Sam Schreffler of Hawick. ln 1974, Harley founded Caldwell Asphalt Company, which operated successfully for 44 years until his son Troy retired in 2018. Hard work was always part of who Harley was, and he believed strongly in encouraging others to find ways to make that work enjoyable. After retiring from the asphalt business, Harley continued working on the family farm raising organic vegetables. He and Sandy sold their produce at farmers’ markets across the state and local grocery stores. Harley loved learning and was an avid reader, particularly non-fiction books and biographies. He had a strong sense of adventure and enjoyed new experiences. Winter vacations became a cherished family tradition - through many skiing trips and traveling to warmer places. After retiring, he and Sandy spent many years traveling the country in their travel trailer, visiting new places, visiting family, and going wherever the road led them. ln later years, they wintered in Florida, welcoming visits from family and friends. They enjoyed finding local Eagles Clubs and heading to the Sportsman’s Den in Lake Henry for a burger and a beer. Harley was a lifelong member of Hawick United Methodist Church and a member of the Eagles. He had a deep faith in God and drew strength from Psalm 23. He will be remembered as a loving husband, grandfather and devoted caregiver to Sandy before she moved to the nursing home in 2025. Family and friends will also remember Harley for his love of storytelling-especially tales of family history, life experiences, and casino adventures.

On Friday, January 30,2026, Harley passed away peacefully at the age of 91 at Glen Oaks Nursing Home under Moments Hospice Care. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Sandy; their four children and spouses: Karen (Bryan) Watkins, Troy (Brenda) Caldwell, Cheri (Waleed) Abdalati, and Rick (Carey Liestman) Caldwell; ten grandchildren: Chris Watkins, Brandon Watkins, Alex (Ryan) Zurbuchen; Brittany (Eric) Frank, Jesse Caldwell, Tanner Caldwell; Olivia Abdalati, Jada Abdalati; Trevor Lang; and Brooke (Wyatt) Mergen; and seven great-grandchildren: Lily, Callen, and Meredith Watkins; Grady and Jordy Frank; and Dominic and Oliver Zurbuchen. He is also survived by his in-laws, Steve Rison, Priscilla Rice, and Judy (Wally) Eaton, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Harley was preceded in death by his parents; his brother and sister-in-law Duane and Elaine Caldwell; and his sister and brother-in-law Marlene and Roland Radunz, along with many family members and friends who have gone before him.