Early Life: Before The War
Harlan was born in a small farming town on Nov. 19, 1925. He was born in Owhenna, Minn. He grew up in Dunbass, Minn. His teenage years were spent working on the 90-acre family farm. He used a tractor, made repairs to farm equipment and constructed outbuildings. He is a 1943 graduate of Northfield High School, Northfield, Minn.
Enlistment, Training and Active Duty
Harlan was drafted into the Army in May 1945. He was sent to Fort Snelling in Minnesota for basic training for 16 weeks. He finished basic training in the middle of October. He served with Company B, 24th Battalion. He supervised two military personnel in general work around the supply room. He kept records of supplies and inventory. He was also a rifleman instructor and instructed 48 military personnel in the use of the M1 rifle and close order drill. He was promoted to quartermaster and left the service in October 1946. He joined The American Legion in 1946.
World War II Medals:
World War II Victory Medal and Ribbon
Expert Badge, rifle, 30 cal. and M1
US Army Veteran Challenge Coin
Honorable Service Lapel Pin
Post-War Life
Harlan went to Stolaf College in 1947 and graduated in 1951 with a degree in economics. He married his sweetheart Mary "Mayme" Moreau on Aug. 28, 1948. They then rented a trailer to live in.
Harlan went to work for Peterson Furniture in Faribault, Minn. His son David was born in February 1950. His second son Booth was born in November 1952. His daughter Janice was born in 1957.
Harlan worked at the furniture store until 1960. He then moved his family to Ladysmith, Wis. He worked for Peaey Paper Mills until 1965.
Harlan moved to New Hampton, Iowa. He worked for Kummeth Wood Products. They made baby furniture. He then changed jobs and went to Hydro Tile in Nashua, Iowa. He worked there from 1967 to 1980 as the chief accountant. He then went to CB Corporation in Hampton, Iowa, and retired in 1991.
After Harlan retired, he and his wife traveled to every state in the country. They moved to Independence, Iowa, in July 2012. Sadly, she passed away a few years ago.
