Harlan E. Hanson, 86 of Merrill, Iowa, passed away on Monday, May 20, 2019 at Good Samaritan Society of Le Mars.

Memorial Service will be 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 23, 2019 at Rexwinkel Funeral Home. Visitation with the family present will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Union Township, rural Le Mars, Iowa, at a later date.

Harlan Eugene Hanson was born on May 23, 1932 in rural Correctionville, Iowa to Ernest and Essie (Fitch) Hanson. Harlan was raised and attended school in Correctionville. Harlan was involved in music and sports in school and graduated from high school in 1950. Harlan was united in marriage to Phyllis Lanegan on June 18, 1950.

Harlan enlisted in the United States Army on June 23, 1952.  Harlan was stationed in El Paso, Texas and Merchantville, New Jersey during his enlistment. Harlan was honorably discharged on June 9, 1954 and remained on standby reserve until June 9, 1960.

Harlan and Phyllis made many moves and career changes over the years. They first lived in Cherokee where Harlan was a baker. They then moved to Atchison, Kansas where Harlan operated heavy equipment. Harlan and Phyllis next moved to Sioux City where he owned and operated a service station. They then made their home in Union Township, rural Plymouth County where Harlan was a dairy herdsman. They became members of Union Presbyterian Church where he served as the choir director for five years.

Their family then moved to Nisland, South Dakota for a short time before finally settling in Merrill. There Harlan began a long career in trucking; he drove long distance and then was a safety director for Brownmiller Trucking.  He also worked in the communications for the Plymouth County Sheriff.

Harlan was a gifted musician and was able to play many instruments.  He played the tuba in the Le Mars Municipal Band and enjoyed going to all of his grandchildren's and great grandchildren's music programs. He also enjoyed going fishing when he could.

Harlan is survived by his wife, Phyllis; children: Jana (Dan) Hoppe of Le Mars, Jeff (Connie) Hanson of Le Mars, Jay Hanson of Sioux Falls, and Jon (Karla) Hanson of Grimes, Iowa; 9 grandchildren: Chad (Jill) Hoppe, Tyler (Stephanie) Hoppe, Maria (Dan) Goodman, Alison Hanson, Tim (Danielle) Hanson, Tiffany (Nick) Suarez, Elizabeth Hanson, Sam Hanson, and Ben Hanson; 11 great grandchildren; sister in law, Patsy (Walt) Morrow; brother in law, Darrell Lanegan; nephews and other relatives.

Harlan is preceded in death by his parents; parents in law, John and Rachel (Stevens) Lanegan; sister, Irene (Richard) Rolfs; brother, Loren Hanson; and brothers in law: Bob, John, and Phil Lanegan.