Harlan Lamar Wiese

Harlan Wiese, age 94, of Madison, passed away Saturday, June 3, 2023, in Madison Healthcare-Care Center. A graveside service will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 15, 2023, in Louisburg Lutheran Cemetery. Pastor Dawn Quame will officiate. A reception will follow at the Bellingham Community Center.

Harlan LaMar Wiese was born October 9, 1928, in Appleton, Minnesota, the son of Edward “Eddie” and Rose (Olson) Wiese. He was baptized and confirmed at Louisburg Lutheran Church, Louisburg, Minnesota. Harlan attended school in Louisburg and then in Appleton, where he graduated from Appleton High School, Class of 1946. He enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard in Appleton and received an honorable discharge in 1948, due to health issues. In the early 1950’s Harlan moved to California and worked for Lockheed Aircraft in Los Angeles. Later he moved to Seattle, Washington, where he worked as a Foreman for Kiewit Construction. It was in Seattle that he met Shirley Ann Johnson. Harlan and Shirley were united in marriage in 1962. The couple adopted two children: LaMar Edward Wiese and Jennie Rose Ann Wiese.

While in Seattle, Harlan started racing late models at Monroe Racetrack. Construction worked slowed, so Harlan and Shirley decided to move their family to Coon Rapids, Minnesota, where he was a foreman for Bor-Sun Construction. While in Coon Rapids, Harlan and Shirley coached a 12 - to 13-year-old girls slow pitch softball team. “We won a championship with our girls!”

When his dad’s health began to decline, Harlan moved his family to Louisburg, so that he could help on the farm, while still doing some construction work in the area. In June 1991, Shirley passed away due to a heart attack. Harlan sold the family farm and then helped Jim Tasto with farmwork for several years.

Along the way, he met his soulmate, Jan Fields. They enjoyed each other’s company until her death in July 2011. Harlan enjoyed fishing, trapping, hunting, and volunteering at the Madison Racetrack each summer.

Harlan passed away Saturday, June 3, 2023, in Madison Healthcare-Care Center. He attained 94 years, 8 months, and 25 days of age. Left to mourn his death are his daughter, Jennie (Scott) Porter of Yakima, WA; his grandsons: Josh Porter, Joseph Porter, Jesse Porter, and Richard Reynolds; his granddaughter, Kirsten Reynolds; and cousins, other relatives, and friends. Harlan was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Wiese; his parents, Eddie and Rose Wiese; his son, LaMar Wiese in 2013; and his soulmate, Jan Fields. Blessed be the memory of Harlan LaMar Wiese.