Harlan Diekman climbed the stairway to heaven on Sept. 29, 2013. He headed out to Wonderful as we faithfully know. He will be missed by friends and family but was called away by God on a new adventure.

Harlan was born on Dec. 28, 1943, in Kiester, Minn., to Lila M. Diekman (Wheeler) and Harold C. Diekman. Harlan has a sister, Bev Causey, and her husband, Randall, from Texas; as well as a brother, Fred Diekman, and his wife, Barbara, in Faribault, Minn.

Harlan graduated from Lyle High School in 1961. He enlisted into the Air Force after high school and served his country by working on aircraft. He served five months in Vietnam during his service. He worked at Wilson Foods in Albert Lea and later received a job with Holand TV. He then moved on as a TV technician at Bissen TV. Harlan later worked 20 years for IBM until his retirement.

Harlan went to school at Austin Technical College, Riverland College, as well as Winona State University. He received high distinction in Electronics.

He met Alverne Trouten in the summer of 1972. After three months of courtship, they eloped at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. Somehow you know right away when you have met the right one. They became inseparable for 41 years of marriage with love and devotion to each other. Harlan and Alverne shared each other’s hopes and dreams and then came joy as parents with a wonderful son, Troy, a year after marriage.

Troy married Sarah Hull in 2001, and Harlan and Alverne had the daughter by marriage they always wanted. Family is everything through your journey in life. Troy and Sarah have two children, Norah and Mason. Harlan and Alverne have felt deeply blessed.

Harlan enjoyed hiking mountain tops in Colorado and Arizona, golfing with friends, jazz concerts in the Cities with his wife, black-powder gun shoots with friends, playing cards, traveling, and flying lessons.

He was given a great family and enjoyed his friendship base, reveling in each God-given day. Harlan will be locked away in our hearts forever.

Pallbearers are Jim Brinkman, Fred Diekman, Mike Murphy, Chuck Neus, Warren Neus, and Gene Pacovsky.

Visitation will be held at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4. A celebration of Harlan’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with the Reverend Shari Mason officiating. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery with military honors conducted by Austin Post 91 American Legion. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite charity. Please write a special memory to share with Harlan’s family and friends.