Harlan Hershberger
April 25, 1917 - April 16, 2015
Harlan Hershberger, 97, of Milford was born April 25, 1917, on a farm south of Milford to David & Anna (Stauffer) Hershberger, the oldest of seven children, and passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2015, at Crestview Care Center in Milford at the age of 97 years, 11 months and 22 days.
As a young man, Harlan attended Trabert Country School near Milford. At the completion of the eighth grade, Harlan worked on the family farm, helping with farm chores and such. During World War II, he moved to Iowa, where he worked in the government war camps through Civilian Public Service.
While in Iowa, Harlan met Elizabeth Miller and they were married on Oct. 4, 1942. To this union four children were born: Diane, Rajean, Royce and Vickie. Together they lived on a farm near Ruby while Harlan was employed at the Ruby elevator. They later moved to farms near Milford where Harlan resumed his farming life. In 1960, they purchased a home in Milford and Harlan was employed at the Farmland Coop, retiring in 1982.
Harlan was a member of Milford Mennonite Church. During his retirement, he enjoyed maintaining the grounds at Linden Village. Harlan loved fishing and boating, especially the lakes in Nebraska and a special time fishing in the gulf. He also enjoyed fishing and camping in Canada and other lakes and rivers. Harlan loved playing cards, especially pitch, with his family and friends.
He was blessed with a second marriage to Berniece V. Stutzman-Hershberger on June 12, 1999. Together they enjoyed visiting friends and taking others out to eat, playing cards and traveling to various places. More recently, he enjoyed having coffee with friends at the local Mini-Mart. Harlan loved the time spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “If they’re reading this to you, know that I wrote it up and I am gone”.
Survivors include his wife, Berniece, Milford; daughters and son-in-law, Rajean and Robert Cunningham,and Vickie Hershberger, Milford; son and daughter-in-law, Royce and Peggy Hershberger, Lincoln; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, many step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, brothers and sisters-in-law, Roy and Darlene Hershberger, Sun City, Arizona, David and Mary Ann Hershberger, Milford, sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Dale Philson, Milford, sister-in-law, Vira Hershberger of Virginia, many nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Elizabeth, daughter, Diane Griess, brother, Reaford Hershberger, sisters, Katherine Friesen, Mary Stutzman, and brothers-in-law Gerald Stutzman and Elwin Friesen.
A funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m., April 20, 2015, at the Milford Mennonite Church with Pastor Tim Springer officiating. Pallbearers were his grandchildren. Kris Yeackley and Anika Upton accompanied the congregation as they sang “It Is Well With My Soul” and “Amazing Grace.” Raymond Gifford was the song leader. Dani and Lizzy performed “Dancing In The Sky” as a musical tribute.
Interment was at the Pleasant View Cemetery, rural Milford. Memorials may be directed in care of the family to be designated at a later time. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lauber-Moore Funeral Home, Milford. Condolences may be sent the family at laubermoore.com.
