Harlan E. Reck Obituary (1934 - 2009)

Harlan E. Reck was born January 25, 1934, the son of Paul E. and Mary E. Cook Reck at Winthrop, Iowa. He attended the local schools and graduated from Winthrop High School with the class of 1952. Harlan served in the U.S., Army from 1953 until 1956. He was united in marriage to Alice Frentress Reck. They made their home on the farm north of Winthrop where they raised their large family. Harlan and Alice were best friends and a shining example of loving parents throughout their married life. He loved attending all the activities of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. A yearly highlight was a trip to the Iowa State Fair. Farming for most of his life, his color of choice was green for his John Deere equipment. He took great pride in his crops, raising hogs, and his cow/calf operation. Harlan truly loved looking out across his farm to enjoy the numerous wild flowers that grew in his yard, the varied wildlife, and all of the birds, especially the eagles and geese that frequented his farm pond. He was a staunch Republican and a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Winthrop. His family will most remember him for his patient smiles, friendly attitude, and his lifelong philosophy of loyalty, integrity, and honesty. Harlan entered into his eternal rest on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at West Village Care Center in Independence, Iowa, surrounded by his caring and loving family. He was 75 years of age. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Alice; his infant daughter, Gail; his grandson, Francis Fangman; and his great grandson, Luke Kress. Survivors include his eleven children: Sue (Jim) Frye of Hazleton; Rusty (Shelly) Reck of Winthrop; Mary (Glenn) Baragary of Winthrop; Nancy (Randy) Coulter of Independence; Cathy (Tim) Donnelly of Independence; Mike (Kristi) Reck of Winthrop; Alice (Donny) Fangman of Masonville; Paul Reck of Winthrop; Margie (Doug) Barske of Independence; Barb (Brent) Straw of Winthrop; and Sherlyn (Chad) Hazen of Winthrop; his twenty seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren; his brother, Don (Helen) Reck of Winthrop; and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, June 27, 2009, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Winthrop with Father Donald J. Plamondon officiating. Music will be provided by Bonnie O'Brien, Michelle Reck, Stephanie Harbaugh, and Travis McBride. Scripture services will be at 2:00 P.M. Friday, June 26, 2009 at the Fawcett Funeral Home, where friends may call from 2 PM until 8 PM and on Saturday until 9:30 AM. Casketbearers will be his granddaughters: Michelle Reck, Kelly Kress, Krista Krebsbach, Lisa Coulter, Kelsey Coulter, Molly Donnelly, Annie Fangman, Megan Barske, and Ellie Straw. Honorary bearers will be his other grandchildren and great grandchildren: Matt Frye, Jay Frye, Brent Reck, Ryan Baragary, Keith Donnelly, Elizabeth Reck, Christopher Reck, Will Fangman, Joe Fangman, Gradon Fangman, Blaise Fangman, Michael Barske, Mitchel Barske, Chase Straw, Caleb Straw, Carter Straw, Foster Hazen, Cavon Hazen, Parker Kress, Tate Krebsbach, Taylor Frye, and Teal Fleming. Military graveside services will be in Fremont Township Cemetery north of Winthrop. The Harlan E. Reck Memorial Fund has been established. The Fawcett Funeral Home in Wintrop assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.fawcettsfuneralhome.com under obituaries.