Harlan J. Searle

Harlan J. Searle, 93, of Mason City, IA, died Monday, April 6, 2015, at the Good Shepherd Health Center. Per his wishes his body was cremated. A celebration of life gathering will be held from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Friday, August 14, 2015, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ Fellowship Room, 100 1st Street NE, with Military Honors conducted by the Mason City Veterans Association at 3:45 PM. Memorials may be directed to the Harlan Searle memorial fund in care of the family.

Harlan was born March 13, 1922, in Bancroft, IA, the son of Ira J. and Agnes C. (Olson) Searle. At age 3, his family moved to Mason City. Harlan graduated from Mason City High School in 1940. He served in the National Guard from 1937 – 1940. Harlan then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country during WWII until his honorable discharge in 1946. He was united in marriage to Arnita M. Bruns on November 28, 1942, at the First Congregational Church in San Francisco, CA. Harlan enjoyed his work as a self-employed contractor for many years before retiring in 1989. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, reading, cribbage, fishing, hunting, going for walks and outdoor activities. He was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Moose Lodge and Pearl Harbor Survivors.

Harlan is survived by his wife of 72 years: Arnita Searle of Mason City; 6 children: Nancy Moon of Idaho Falls, ID, Pat Masters and husband Dr. Ron of Mason City, Dick Searle and wife Teri of Mason City, Alan Searle and wife Paulette of Mason City, Tom Searle and special friend Laura Hinrichs, and Mary Searle and special friend Dana Sporaa of Aurora, CO; 11 grandchildren: Sondra and husband Greg, Brian and wife Carol, Tara and husband Kelly, Jim and wife Mollie, Amy and husband Jamie, Renee, Nicolette and husband Scott, Melissa, Brittany, Michael and special friend Amber, and Dillon; 15 great grandchildren: Courtney, Tristan, Maddison, Abbigail, John, Logan, Chelsea, Aubrie, Gavin, Lauren, Amber, Marina, Ty, Autum and Summer; and 1 sister-in-law: Jean Searle of Killeen, TX.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson in infancy; 3 brothers: Lloyd, Erwin and Robert; and 2 sisters: Thelma and Kathleen.