Memorial
Donald L. “Don” Harlan, 92, of Cedar Rapids, died January 20, 2018, after a short illness. Funeral Service: 1:30 pm Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories with visitation beginning at 1:00 pm. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
Don was born December 2, 1925, the son of Frank and Vera (Johnson) Harlan, in Cedar Rapids. Vera died when Don was just two years old. His father later married Mary Ward, who became Don’s loving step-mother.
He attended schools in Cedar Rapids and graduated from Franklin High School in January of 1944. Don went on to serve with the United States Marine Corps from March of 1944 to July of 1946. His tour of overseas duty was primarily on Tinian Island in the Mariana’s from the B-29 raids on Japan, including the atomic bomb raids.
Don married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Jeane Roupe on August 18, 1946 in Cedar Rapids. Don was especially proud of Dorothy’s artistic accomplishments. They recently celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary. Together they were blessed with four wonderful children.
Don was employed by Sanitary Farm Dairies in Cedar Rapids and Rock Island, Illinois for several years. In 1971, the family moved to Sunnyvale California, where Don was employed by the Ra Mar Corporation as the financial controller. He was later employed by the Anderson Pacific Engineering Corporation in Santa Clara, California, where he remained until retirement in the year of 2000 at the age of seventy-five. While California was their home for twenty-nine years, it was always their intention to return to Cedar Rapids after retirement.
Don and Dorothy became members of Westminster Presbyterian Church upon returning to Cedar Rapids. Don was a member of the Wednesday Morning Breakfast Group and other church activities. He enjoyed traveling with Dorothy, family gatherings, reading and computer activities.
Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Harlan; three daughters, Catherine Harlan, Barbara Morris, Janet English; one son, John (Mary) Harlan; several wonderful grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be directed to Westminster Presbyterian Church in memory of Don.