Harlan K. Alitz

Harlan K. “Harley” Alitz, 94, of Mason City, IA, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2015, at Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa. A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, July 27, 2015, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, with Pastor Kathy Graves officiating. Per his wishes, his body was cremated and there will be no visitation. Military Honors will be conducted by the Mason City Veterans Association. Inurnment will take place in the Plymouth Oakwood Cemetery in Plymouth, IA. Memorials may be directed to the Harlan Alitz memorial fund in care of the family.

Harlan Keith Alitz was born March 2, 1921, in rural Mason City, the son of John and Lena (Wempken) Alitz. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1938, and continued his education at Mason City Jr. College. In 1944, Harley enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country as a Gunners Mate 3rd Class during WWII until his honorable discharge in 1946. On June 3, 1946, he married Iris Mae Highsmith at Trinity Lutheran Church. Together they raised a family of three daughters and one son. Harley worked at Farmers Feed and Grain as the Grain Elevator Manager and part owner for 30 years. Following his retirement in 1975, Harley got his real estate license and worked for Edwards Brandt Realty for 12 years. Harley enjoyed outdoor activities and sports. He was an avid fisherman and hunter who greatly loved his dogs/hunting companions, Lucky and Katie. Harley also enjoyed bowling, golfing and softball. He made a "hole in one" twice in his lifetime. as well as winning many trophies and championships for bowling and softball. He was proud to be inducted into the River City Softball Hall of Fame in 1986. He was known for his great sense of humor and his bone-crushing handshake.

He was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he served on the Board of Trustees. He was a Lime Creek Township Trustee, Secretary of Lime Creek School District, member of the Elks Lodge and the VFW. He also participated in the Honor Flight 2010.

Harley is survived by three daughters: Barbara (Doug) Potter of Greensboro, North Carolina, Jean Sagara of Wellfleet, Massachusetts, and Nancy Ady of Burley, Idaho; one son: David (Becky) Alitz of Rock Port, Missouri; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; one sister: LoRee Kulhavy of Mason City; five sisters-in-law: Janice King, Shirley (Myron) Hulsing, Avis Ubben, Verda Alitz and Mary Alitz; one brother-in-law: Bob (Doris) Highsmith; and very close friends: Larry Gallagher and Mike Miller.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife in 2014; three brothers: Williams Alitz, LeRoy Alitz and Milton "Bud" Alitz; and three sisters: Inez (Murray) Holmes, Lucille (Don) Houck and Marjorie (Bob) Hansen.