"I only recently learned of Harlan's passing. I have fond memories of time spent in Scouting with him and his son, Derek. He had my respect then, and it has always remained thus."
In loving memory of
Harlan Simonds
September 17, 1929 - November 12, 2009
Harlan Newell, son of Harry R. and Marie E. (Hiatt) Simonds, was born September 17, 1929 at Lynch, NE. He attended rural school and later his family moved to Nehawka, NE where he graduated from Nehawka High School in 1947. After graduation he enlisted in the United Sates Coast Guard where he served from 1947 - 1951. Following his honorable discharge, Harlan worked at Omaha Steel for three years before enlisting in the United States Air Force. On July 2, 1954, Harlan was united in marriage with Clara Pedersen at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, TX. They were able to live and raise their three children on the bases where Harlan was stationed with the Air Force. The family lived in Texas, Nebraska, New York, Mississippi, the Philippines, and finally New Mexico. Upon his discharge from the Air Force in 1970, Harlan enrolled full time at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1972. After a short time at Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs, Harlan was offered the middle school special education teacher position with the Harlan Public School District. He worked there from 1974 until he retired in 1989. Harlan was an active man, enjoying tent camping and ballroom dancing with his wife and family. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan. Woodcarving occupied a large portion of his spare time and he belonged to Nishna Valley Woodcarver, Town and County Woodcarvers and the Mid-American Woodcarvers. In later years he enjoyed volunteering at the Danish Immigrant Museum in Elk Horn. Harlan was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2004. His wife cared for him at home until he became a resident of Salem Lutheran Homes in Elk Horn in 2007. He died there on Thursday, November 12, 2009, at the age of 80 years, 1 month and 26 days. Preceding him in death are his parents; two brothers Arlie Simonds and Russell Simonds; three sisters Fern Kamphaus, Lois Hansen and Iris Cook. Harlan is survived by his wife Clara Simonds of Harlan; three children: Derek Simonds and wife Laura of Wahoo, NE; Brent Simonds of Bakersfield, CA and Bianca Simonds of Columbia, LA; seven grandchildren; five brothers: Roland Simonds of Bay Shore, NY; Roy Simonds and wife Marty of Enterprise, KS; Rex Simonds and wife Rebecca of Rancho Cordova, CA; Harry Simonds and wife Dee of El Paso, TX and Jerry Simonds of Rockville IN; four sisters: Iva May of Richmond, CA; Betty Winkler of Nebraska City NE; Carole Rowe of Rockville, IN and Janis and husband Frank Crowner of Nebraska city, NE; sister-in-law Martha McCord of Harlan, IA and brother-in-law Morris Pedersen of Manhattan Beach, CA; many other relatives and friends. Officiating PASTOR STEVE CHELLEW IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH HARLAN, IOWA Honorary Casket Bearers ~ Grandchildren CHRISTOPHER SIMONDS SYDNEY SIMONDS PHILLIP SIMONDS TANAH SIMONDS ZACHARY SIMONDS HANNAH SIMONDS RALPH SHELBY RICHARD
Tributes
"I would like to send my condolence to the Simonds family. In times like this I reflect on the God's promise in John 5;28,29 of a resurrection of our dead loved ones. I hope this note brings you comfort at this time."
"Dear Clara, Derek, Brent, Bianca and families - Our condolences to all. Seeing Harlan's picture brought back many memories. He was always so handsome and what many people do not know is that he was like a father to me for a period of time (I believe I was 6 or 7) when Dad was in Omaha working in the Bomber Plant. I don't remember my Dad ever giving me a spanking. However Harlan did not spare the rod. I think I cared for him more so because he was looking out for me. When he went into the Coast Guard I was on my own but he gave me a lecture about my conduct. When he returned and was discharged from the Coast Guard, I had grown somewhat taller and he treated me more like an equal. On the 4th of July, he asked me to go to Mitchell, S. D. to see Arlie and Helen. The next morning we were up early and headed west out of town to a lake where we all were supplied with a rod & reel and bait. My line had three hooks and I put a worm on each hook. Arlie was standing by me and said "Watch the end of the rod. When it bounces jerk it up." I tossed in the line and almost immediately the rod started bouncing and I jerked it up and reeled in three bull heads. We caught a wash tub full of 7 to 8" bull heads. When we entered the house Helen hollered from the kitchen, "No I'm not going to clean them." Harlan and Arlie were on the back porch cleaning fish most of the night. Coming home, Harlan asked me to drive and I ended up getting off the main road and we had to take a ferry across the Missouri River. Turned out it was a good short cut and only two bucks for the ferry. I could go on about stories that some of you have already heard Harlan was always special to me and I looked up to him and listened when he talked because I was bound to learn something. I know that he made a great teacher and am sure he was loved by all his students. I also know he loved his family dearly and I will always remember the great times we had together. Hugs and kisses to all and am looking forward to Harlan's memorial at the family reunion. Most of all we are looking forward to seeing him in the Grand Reunion in heaven. Praise the Lord."
"My uncle Harlan was a loving family man. I saw how he loved his wife, my Aunt Clara, with devotion, gentleness, and honor. He was proud of his children and loved them deeply. I was not able to see my Uncle very often. But the times I was able to visit with him and his family brought me special and poignant memories. I will miss him and I am so proud of the legacy he leaves to his wife, children, and grandchildren and the honor he brings to the Simonds Family. So much is known about a man through his character. The love and devotion he poured out to his family and grandchildren, the dedication and faithful commitment he gave to his students, the way he loved God, are all a testimony to the life he lived and the values he passed on to those he touched. It was a privilege to know my Uncle and I'm so proud we are in the same family. I will miss him. I love you Uncle Harlan. Donna Simonds Ladner"
"Our condolences to Aunt Clara, Derek, Brent, Bianca and your families. Seeing Uncle Harlan at the reunions was always a highlight for us. We really enjoyed his good humor. And who can forget "Isn't this a nice picture!"? We shared a table with him and Aunt Clara at Erin's wedding in Chicago. It was a nice chance to get to know them better. We certainly enjoyed ourselves. I have a Santa that Uncle Harlan carved. I always put it in a prominent place in our home for the Christmas season. I've received many compliments on it and everyone is always amazed that it was carved by one of Bill's uncles! Dawn came home from Pittsburgh this past weekend and we shared a few tearful moments reminiscing about Uncle Harlan. She said that she liked how quiet he was and what a wonderful dancer he was. We'll both miss him. Bill has been overseas, in Japan, so I will tell him about Uncle Harlan's passing on Wednesday when he gets back to Anchorage. I know he has already missed seeing him at the last reunion we attended as well as at Dad's funeral last November. Brent, thank you for keeping us posted about your dad. Love and hugs to you all, Pam, Bill, and Dawn"
"Dear Clara, Derek, Brent, Bianca and families, We will miss Harlan terribly. What a good family man he was! We remember fondly his beautiful eyes, his big smile with tears rolling down his cheeks when enjoying a good laugh. Harlan's family lived near us for awhile and we enjoyed lots of good laughs. We have fond memories of tobogganing in the New Mexico mountains with Harlan and Clara's family, Frank and Janis' family, our family, and Grandma and Grandpa Simonds (yes Harry and Marie Simonds)years ago. That still brings smiles to our faces. Memories like that will keep him close. Our love and prayers to the family. We wish Harry was well enough to travel, but we hope to see you before too long."
"Clara, I am so sorry for the loss of Harlan. I am greatful that I was able to assist in his cares and hope that I was able to bring peace and comfort to you and him during his illness. He will be missed"
"Dear Clara, Derek, Brent and Bianca and families, May God be with you at the difficult time. Uncle Harlan was a great man with many talents, as you are all aware. We will all miss him greatly and remember him fondly. God Bless, Joe, Jill, Lauren and Olivia"
"Love you Dad!"