Harlan Gortmaker

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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Harlan G. Gortmaker, 83, of St. Lawrence, Sunday, October 29, 2023, at his home.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 4, 2023, at the Community Church of St. Lawrence, with Pastor Jim Hofman, officiating. Burial will follow at G.A.R. Cemetery, Miller.  Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, November 3, 2023, at Reck Funeral Home, Miller. 

Harlan was born on January 31, 1940, on a farm five miles south of Miller to John and Hazel (Gussler) Gortmaker.  Even as a small boy, Harlan was always out helping the “big” boys with chores.  He was helping cultivate corn when he could not even reach the pedals on the tractor. As he grew up, he began to take on more responsibility around the farm.  It was devastating for Harlan when his father could no longer go out and help with chores and farm work.  

One of Harlan’s first jobs was working for Lou Borkhuis.  During this time, he met Jean and purchased his first milk cow. 

Harlan married Jean Downing on April 22, 1962, and they started their family of seven children. 

Some of Harlan’s early jobs were working on a turkey farm, Tristate Insulation, and then after 28 years, he retired from the State Highway Department.  Even while maintaining a full-time job, Harlan always seemed to have, what today, we call a “side hustle”.  He also tried many directions in farming, from sheep to pigs to crops to dairy, all in an effort to purchase the family farm. 

He never met a stranger.  He had a love for people and told stories.  He loved farming and has had a love for tractors ever since he was a small boy.  

Harlan is survived by his loving wife, Jean Gortmaker of St. Lawrence; four daughters: Tracy (John) Fink of Mitchell, Trisha (Randy) Westberg of Craig, CO, Nancy of Omaha, NE, and Jana of Watertown; three sons: Nick (Krista) of Milbank, Jon (Tana) of Parker, and Jeff of Mt. Vernon; 18 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and five sisters: Lulubelle Schular, Pearl Schlechter, Shirley Sell, Anita (John) Beaner, and Rosemary (Lyle) Goodall.

He is preceded in death by his parents: John and Hazel; three sisters: Violet Deuter, Karen Ruml, and an infant; four brothers: Jerry, Benny, Louis, and Jackie; and nephews: Jerry Allen, Leo, and Randy. 

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Harlan's arrangements.