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Harlan Wentz, age 81, of Hitterdal, MN passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at Oak Crossings in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Harlan was born on February 10, 1942, at his home in Washburn, ND, to his parents, Jacob and Rose (Zimmerman) Wentz. He began his educational journey attending a country school until the 8th grade, after which he furthered his studies at Mercer  High School, graduating with the class of 1956.

His initial interest led him to NDSU, where he explored pharmacy but later transitioned to teaching.  In 1968, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in education from Minot State College and embarked on his teaching career, where he taught chemistry and physics for a few various North Dakota and Minnesota schools, grades 7 through 12.

Harlan always delighted in hearing from former students who thanked him for his thorough and in-depth teachings and how it made a big difference in their college education. He took great pride in helping young minds discover their love for science.

Growing up on a farm, Harlan had a deep-rooted love for farming that never faded. As time passed, he made a career change again, and bought a piece of farmland east of Ulen, MN. For additional income, Harlan completed two welding courses and became a certified welder at Case IH/Steiger in Fargo, ND where he worked for 18 years as he continued growing his farming acreage.  Harlan would work at Case IH/Steiger and then come home to farm until late into the evening.

In 1978, Harlan's life took a significant turn when he met the love of his life, Shirley Olson, in Ulen, MN.  Their bond was inseparable, and they were united in marriage in June of 1980. Harlan welcomed Shirley's two children into his life, Corey and Kari. They established their home on the farm east of Hitterdal in 1980.  They continued to call this home until 2022, as well as their winter home in Mission Texas, which they purchased in 2010 to escape the cold Minnesota winters, and enjoy the warm sunshine with their friends.

It was during this time that Harlan's health started to decline and eventually forced him to retire from farming all together.  Harlan never lost his love of farming and continued to stay connected to his land renters Daryl & Danny Moore, and Vance Jirava to talk farming and yields. He loved driving around surveying the fields and followed the weather daily, often stopping to check his rain gauges as though he was still farming.  Five days before his passing, Harlan was able to take one last drive past his farmland.  This made him so happy and meant the world to him.  Thank you Daryl, Randy, his sister Karen, and his niece Jody.

Harlan is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Wentz; children, Corey (Barb) Olson and Kari (Randy) Moore; five grandchildren: Griffen Carlson and Annalise Carlson, Renae (Matt) Nelson, Nicole (Tim) Rousar, Marc (Hannah) Pritchard, three great-grandchildren, Katelynn Nelson, Elsa, and Kira Rousar; brother: Charles (Lola) Wentz; sisters: Sharon (Lynn) Kast, Karen Schultz, and Nancy (Bob) Kelly; and many nieces and nephews.

Harlan was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Rose; and brother, Stanley Wentz and sister-in-law Shirley Wentz.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ulen, MN. A time of gathering will be held at the church one hour before the service.

Inurnment will be held at the Highland Grove Cemetery, rural Hitterdal. MN following the service.