Harlan Wendland, 74

Harlan Paul Wendland, 74, Alexandria, died November 12, 2012 of a stroke and internal infections.

Harlan was born October 2, 1938 in Tyler, the son of Paul and Minnie (Ziemke) Wendland. He grew up in Balaton, where he first attended country school and later attended high school. He also attended Dr. Martin Luther School in New Ulm. Following his schooling, Harlan joined the United States Army Reserve and served his country as a reservist for 10 years.

On March 8, 1958 Harlan was united in marriage to Jean Aspelin in Balaton. The couple made their home in Balaton and various other towns before moving to Alexandria in March 1966. Harlan attended the Alexandria Tech College, where he learned diesel mechanics. He worked for Vern Lindquist’s John Deere implement business for two years.

Harlan began his own business, Truck & Diesel Repair and later, J&H Materials Handling in Alexandria. After several years in the repair business, Harlan worked as a custodian for the American Legion, the Holiday Inn and Bethany Home in Alexandria. For the last 20 years, Harlan has been a self-employed fabricator and woodworker.

Harlan was a member of the American Legion and the Garden Club. He enjoyed spending time outdoors tending flower and vegetable gardens. He also enjoyed spending time fishing with his family and looked forward to fishing with his brothers. Harlan had an especially good time fishing with his brother, Marvin. Harlan was also active for a time with the Viking Speedway. He was a car owner and sponsor, served as a race official and served on the speedway board of directors.

Harlan’s involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous was a huge part of his life. He was a very close friend of the late Delbert Prazak. Harlan and Delbert spent many hours mentoring and sponsoring people who needed their help. Harlan was proud of his service to his fellow man, and his family was proud of him. At Thanksgiving 2012, Harlan’s family was prepared to present Harlan with his 30-year medallion.

Harlan’s family was very important to him He was proud of his children. Harlan loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and he loved to tease them.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Marvin and Orville Wendland; an infant sister; and cousins, Mavis Carlson and Marlo Schultz.

Harlan is survived by his wife, Jean Wendland of Alexandria; children, Mike Wendland and wife, Pam, of Alexandria, Julie Uhden and husband, Kenneth, of Alexandria, Wayne Wendland and wife, Liz, of Durham, NC and Steve Wendland and wife, Nancy, of Garfield; grandchildren, Corey Wendland and wife, Holly, Kayla Wendland, Caitlin Wendland, Dustin Uhden, Cole Uhden, Paul Wendland and wife, Kelley, Johanna Wendland, Jake Wendland, and Carrilyn Wendland; great-grandchildren, Ashley Wendland, Nolan Wendland, Jaidyn Wendland, and Camille Uhden; brothers, Robert Wendland and wife, Inez, of Balaton, Darwin Wendland of Fallbrook, CA, Marilyn Jacobson and husband Murray, of Northfield, Wesley Wendland and wife, Rose, of Lebanon, OH and Dennis Wendland and wife, Jeanne, of Cottonwood, AZ; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held Saturday, November 17 at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. The Rev. Murray Jacobson officiated. Brock and Chad Aspelin and Diane Alveshere provided music. Interment followed at East Moe Lutheran Cemetery at Garfield. Casket bearers included all of Harlan’s grandchildren. American Legion Post 87, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 936 and the Minnesota National Guard accorded military honors.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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