Harlan D. Goetsch, 101, Hartley

A memorial service for Harlan D. Goetsch was held Monday, May 20, 2024, at Trinity United Church of Christ in Hartley. Dr. Lynn Dau officiated.

Honorary pallbearers were Jed Rohlf, Ryan Rohlf, Nick Wood and Jeff Wood. Military graveside rites were conducted at Pleasant View Cemetery in Hartley by Hartley American Legion, Arthur W. Kirchhoff Post #288. Hartley Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.

Harlan Dale Goetsch was born March 2, 1923, to Adolf and Millie (Kruse) Goetsch. He received his education at Paullina, graduating from Paullina High School with the Class of 1940. He moved with his family to Hartley in 1942, where his father operated The Goetsch Co., the International Harvester implement business located here.

Harlan worked alongside his father, Adolf, and brother, Gerald, at The Goetsch Co. until he left for radio school, followed by Boeing School of Aeronautics. He then enlisted in the United States Air Transport Command, a unit which was used during World War II as the strategic airlift component of the United States Army Air Force, serving in this capacity from 1942-1944. Harlan became an ensign with the Merchant Marines from 1944-1946, acting as radio operator. He served on five different vessels during his time in service, being released on Aug. 1, 1946.

Harlan was united in marriage to Lorna Ruth Lucas in 1948. Their family grew to include two daughters: Susan and Nancy, born in 1950 and 1953, respectively. In the 1960s, Harlan became affiliated with the Security State Bank in Hartley, operating as vice president and providing farm loans. With his background in ag equipment, he was often tapped for advice on repairing it.

Harlan passed from this life on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at the age of 101 years. He is now reunited with loved ones who had gone before: his wife, Lorna; his parents, Adolf and Millie Goetsch; his brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Joan Goetsch; grandson, Steven Brazle; son-in-law, Larry Wood; and brothers-in-law: Donald Hansen and Jim Lucas.

Left to keep his memory close in heart are his two daughters: Susan (Dan) Rohlf and Nancy Wood; grandsons: Jed (Jenni) Rohlf, Ryan Rohlf, Nick Wood and Jeff (Brenna) Wood; great-grandsons: Aiden Magel Wood, Finn, Barclay and Cannon Rohlf; Warren and Henry Wood; his sister, LaVonne (Goetsch) Hansen; sister-in-law, Loni Lucas; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.