Harlan H. Christians
Little Rock, IA
Funeral Services for Harlan H. Christians, 83, of Little Rock, IA, will be held Saturday, January 28, at 10:30 a.m. at the Salem Reformed Church, Little Rock, IA. Saturday, January 21, 2017, at Care Initiatives in Sibley, IA. Visitation will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, January 27, at Salem Reformed Church in Little Rock with family present. Burial will be at Pleasant View Cemetery in Little Rock with military rites provided by American Legion Post 316, of which he served as Chaplain for more than 14 years. Harlan passed away Saturday, January 21, 2017, at Care Initiatives in Sibley, IA.
Harlan H. Christians was born on June 2, 1933, to Harm and Pearl (Venenga) Christians in Adrian, MN. He went to school at Country School District 14 and went on to graduate from Ellsworth High School in 1950. He spent his life working the family farm along the Minnesota and Iowa state line north of Little Rock. On October 20, 1961, Harlan married Sylvia Bixby of Worthington, and they made their home on the farm. In 1993 Harlan and Sylvia retired and moved to their current home in Little Rock, IA, close to all the members of their church family at Salem Reformed.
Harlan led a wonderful and God inspired life that touched everyone. In 1953, Harlan was drafted into the Army, where he served 18 months in Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1955 and began farming. Harlan was devoted to his profession and was an excellent farmer. He was also a Dekalb seed corn salesman and sold seed corn for over 40 years. Farming was his life and it meant everything to him.
Harlan was devoted to his Salem Reformed Church community and served as a Deacon or an Elder for much of his adult life. He was a servant, a leader, and an inspiration to the congregation. His Christian values were evident and were passed down to future generations. Harlan had a tremendous sense of humor and was a great story teller. He loved to visit with family and friends over coffee, and was adored and respected by all.
Survivors include his wife Sylvia of Little Rock, son Kermit and special friend Dirlene Sanchez of Tustin, CA., daughter Heidi (Brad) Swart of Sergeant Bluff, IA, as well as three grand-children, Samantha Swart (fiance Jared Pawelk), Benjamin (Hannah) Swart, and Lesley Swart. In addition to the immediate family, Harlan is survived by his sister Beverly (Dwight) Leemkuil of Little Rock, and brother Mick (Barb) Christians of Windom, MN. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Shirley Christians of Little Rock. Online Expressions of Sympathy can be sent to www.andringafuneralhome.com.
Harlan was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Phyllis, his brother Orville, and brother and sister-in-law Donald and Joan Bixby.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be made to Care Initiatives Hospice.
The Andringa Funeral Home of Sibley in charge of arrangements.
