Mr. David Duane Harlan

David Duane Harlan, age 63, passed away Monday, March 6, 2017 at his home in Bassett, Nebraska. David was born November 5, 1953 in Ainsworth, Nebraska. His parents were Levi D. and Eula (Thomas) Harlan. He grew up in Bassett and received his education from Bassett Grade School and Rock County High School. David was united in marriage to Phyllis Kroenke on June 2, 1979 at Dodge, Nebraska. To this union one child was born Amber Marie. The couple lived in Bassett where David was employed with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for almost 39 years. He began his career with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission as the Park Superintendent I and was later promoted to Park Superintendent II. He was in charge of the Long Pine State Recreation Area, Keller State Recreation Area, and the former Atkinson State Recreation Area. He also supervised over 70 miles of the Cowboy Trail.
David was a member of the Bassett Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Legion. David had a great love for dogs, especially for English Springer Spaniels. He loved to hunt, ride his Harley motorcycle, drive his yellow Jeep, loved to walk in the evenings with his dog Molly, and spend time with his family.
David was preceded in death by his father, Levi D. Harlan, mother, Eula Thomas, brother-in-law Jerry Dearmont, father-in-law Aldred Kroenke, sister-in-law Cheryl Kroenke, nephew Scott Mandel, and niece Julie Mandel. Those left to cherish his memory include, his wife, Phyllis of Bassett; daughter, Amber (Adam) Push of Lincoln, Nebraska, a sister, Joyce Dearmont (Paul Elger) of Greeley, Colorado, mother-in-law, Justine Kroenke of Fremont, Nebraska; sisters-in-law, Mary (Harvey) Mandel of Dodge, Barb (Merlyn) Steffensmeier of Dodge, Patti (Don) Lamphere of Lincoln, Jeanine (Rex) Kemp of Ogallala, Nebraska; brothers-in-law, Ralph (Jan) Kroenke of Omaha, Nebraska, Jim (Shirley) Kroenke of Fremont, and Ed Kroenke of Dodge.
Memorials are suggested to the Sandhills Cancer Fund, Inc. or to the family for a future scholarship fund in David's name.
Memorial Services were held on March 10, 2017 at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Bassett, Nebraska. Father Phil Flott and Father Jim Hunt serving as officiants for the service. Music was provided by Trudy Nolles. Congregational Hymns were, "O Loving God," "On Eagle's Wings," "Amazing Grace," and "Lead Me Lord." Reading were done by Dave Sybrant. Eucharistic ministers were, Bob Huffman and Barb Jilg. Honorary bearers were all of Dave's family and friends. Inurnment followed at the Bassett Memorial Park Cemetery in Bassett. Memorials were suggested to the Sandhills Cancer Fund or to the family for a future scholarship fund in David's name. Hoch Funeral Home of Bassett was in charge of the arrangements.