Harlan Maurer

Larchwood, IA

     Harlan Maurer age 84 of Larchwood, IA died Saturday, July 6, 2019 at the Sanford Hospice Centennial Cottage in Sioux Falls, SD.

     A Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at the United Church of Christ in Larchwood, IA with Rev. Kelly Volk officiating. Burial will follow at the Hillside Cemetery in Lester, IA.

     Visitation will take place from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with family present on Tuesday evening July 9^th at the church in Larchwood.

     In lieu of flowers family would like donations to be made to the UCC Church of Larchwood Pantry or the Larchwood Library.

     Harlan Maurer was born February 2, 1935 in Canby, MN to Herman and Eleanor (Berg) Maurer. He had 8 siblings, Gene, Robert, Roger, Marilyn, Karen, Paul, Allan, Jerry. Harlan grew up in Alvord, IA and graduated from Inwood High School in 1953. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1955. He received an honorable discharge at the rank of Specialist 4^th Class. On November 4, 1956 he was united in marriage to Donna Johnson at the Lutheran Church in Lester, IA. To this union three children were born, Micheal, David and Kathy.

     To say Harlan’s occupation as an Electrical Technician is too narrow of a description. His mind was truly one of detail and inquiry.   He started out as a TV and radio repairman as many ex-GI’s did. And he ended his career working for Universal Studios of Florida on the Spider Man attraction in the animatronics department. His lifelong venture into the world of electronics carried him and Donna to many places and homes across the country, 20 to be exact. Each move was an advancement in furthering his career and expertise. Much to his children’s’ delight, when he was a younger man raising his family, he enjoyed model trains and model airplanes. He was fascinated with how things worked, taking them apart and often improving what he found even inventing some things along the way. Later in life he enjoyed hunting, camping and fishing. When he and Donna moved into a new house, Harlan went right to trying to figure out how he could remodel and improve the house. He was a meticulous man and his woodworking and carpentry skills were very good. Not one to let his mind be idle, he would move on to the next project either at home or at work.  

     Harlan loved his family. Especially his grandkids. They will hold many fond memories of Grandpa as well as his own children will of their dad.   Harlan’s health began to fail several years ago with the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. After so many years of living life to its fullest, he’s now free of his struggles of controlling his mind and his hands.   On Saturday, July 6^th Harlan passed away at the Centennial Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 84. He will be greatly missed.

     He is survived by his loving wife, Donna Maurer of Larchwood, IA; sons. Micheal (Tracy) Maurer of Forest Lake, MN and their son, Tommy; David Maurer of Larchwood, IA and his daughter, Gabriela of Comfrey, MN; Brother, Robert Maurer of Des Moines, IA; sisters, Marilyn Ripperda of Worthington, MN and Karen (Denny) Kramer of Sioux Falls, SD; brothers, Paul Maurer of Hermosa, SD, Alan (Norma) Maurer of Larchwood, IA and Jerry (Barb) Maurer of Larchwood, IA; nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

     Harlan was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kathy; granddaughter, Margaret; brothers, Gene, Roger; sister-in-law, Mavis Maurer; brother-in-law, Larry Ripperda; sister-in-law, Marlene (Milton) Anderson; nephew, Jon Maurer; niece, Patrice Maurer; and baby Lange.