Harley H Oyloe

Harly Oyloe, age 105, passed away on June 15, 2026, at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls. Harley H. Oyloe was born on September 21, 1920, the son of Gerhard and Elyn Oyloe. He spent his early years in Benson, Minnesota and later moved with his family to Moorhead, MN, where he graduated from High School.

Following graduation, he briefly attended the University of Minnesota and also played a short stint of professional baseball with Grand Forks in the old Northern League. He found the lifestyle distasteful, and despite being a good prospect, quit the team and returned to Fergus Falls, where his family had moved.

While serving in the Army/Air Force during World War Two, he married Carma Snowberg of Fergus Falls and the couple resided in Bakerfield, California, where Harley was stationed. They were married for 81 years until Carma's death in 2024.

After the war, Harley returned to Fergus Falls, where he ran a photo studio, which was located on Mill Street across from the old Post Office. He worked long, hard hours there and was committed to taking the best photos he could. He sold the studio in the late 1960's, and became a photographer for the Fergus Falls Daily Journal. His job was to submit a picture for the front page every day, and his photos were often humorous and /or artistic. Several went national and appeared in papers such as The New York Times and Detroit Free Press.

Harly was well-known for his involvement in Fergus Falls baseball, both as a player and coach. He pitched the game in which Fergus Falls bear a powerful Austin team to win the 1950 state championship and also coached the Fergus Falls 1960 state-champion Legion team. He is a member of the Fergus Falls Sports Hall of Fame and also of the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame.

Harly made many friends during his life and enjoyed getting together with them and having fun. He particularly enjoyed the yearly fishing trips to the Northwest Angle with his buddies. He also enjoyed gardening, woodworking and following the Chicago Cubs. He thoroughly read the Minneapolis Tribune virtually every day, even in his final days. He enjoyed life and led a healthy and active lifestyle.

Harley was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Carma.

He is survived by his son, Mark of Fergus Falls; he also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

A private service honoring the lives of Harly and Carma Oyloe will be held at a later date.

Assistance provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com