- Date Of Birth: October 26, 1934
- Date Of Death: May 21, 2023
- State: Nebraska
He was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Davenport, NE and joined Peace Lutheran Church in Deshler, NE in 2001.
Harlan grew up in Sedan, NE attending country school and then graduated from Davenport High School with the class of 1952. He later attended the University of Nebraska –Lincoln-, where he focused on Ag Business. Harlan first started farming in the Sedan/Edgar area along with his father George also during that time.
After returning home, Harlan helped area farmers and for a while drove truck along with his brother Merlen for Bergt Brothers Gravel Co.
He married Elvira Kershner on May 19, 1963. This union was blessed with the birth of seven children.
Eventually, Harlan and his brother Merlen farmed together the Getz family farm north of Deshler where they custom fed cattle, hauling many loads between the Omaha and St. Joseph Stockyards. They together also custom baled hay and chopped silage for area neighbors, along with tending to their own operation. For many years, both of their families and children played an important role, whether it be moving pipe, hauling bales or driving cattle. In 1980, Harlan’s family moved from Deshler to the Getz farm continuing to farm, raise livestock and custom shear some 25,000 sheep over many years. Harlan moved back to Deshler in 2019, but still continued to help with daily chores up until his passing.
He enjoyed being involved in the Deshler community, whether it be serving on the Deshler school board, and being proud to hand diplomas to three of his own children, or serving as Thayer Co. 4-H Leader for several years. Harlan had the personality that he could strike up a conversation with anyone, no matter when or where it was.
Harlan’s pride and joy in life was his family. He always instilled in his children the best work ethic and respecting others along the way. Whether it was hauling pipe, rouging fields, picking up square alfalfa bales, or cutting thistles, the family worked together to get the job done. Not that it was enjoyed by all, but still knew it needed done.
Grandma and Grandpa provided a summer getaway for most of their grandkids. It was seen during these summers how much work was put into running the farm and that grandpa worked endlessly. The grandkids were instilled with the same work ethic and helped where needed. Even if that meant waking up way too early. When the work was done, the grandkids enjoyed riding ATV’s, building forts, playing video games and doing crafts with Grandma. This time was enjoyed so much that they would cry when it was time to return home to their parents.
Harlan and Elvira enjoyed traveling to see their children in various states. They were always so proud of the accomplishments that each child had achieved and the greatest of those was raising their families. In the later years, Harlan truly enjoyed watching Husker Volleyball and analyzing each upcoming opponent.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Elvira, son Lonnie Schnakenberg, son-in-law Rudy Perales, brother Merlen Schnakenberg and wife Rosemary, sister Leela Mae Crockett and husband David; sisters-in-law Joann Schnakenberg and Connie Price; brothers-in-law Cecil and Gordon Kershner, several nieces and nephews and great-granddaughter Lainey Mae Drohman.
He is survived by sons; Michael Schnakenberg of Glenvil, NE, Bruce Schnakenberg of Maxwell, NE, Derek Schnakenberg and wife Jennifer of Carleton, NE, daughters Kimberly Perales of Watauga, TX, Robin Gallacher and husband James of Winterport, ME, Barbara Drohman and husband Bradley of Hastings, NE, Daughter-in-law Shirley Schnakenberg of Oro Valley, AZ. Grandchildren; Sierra, Shelby, Alisha and Brett Schnakenberg. Kayla Blomstedt and Becca Schnakenberg. Cameron Czekai. Garrett, Craig, and Brandon Morales, Michael, Ashley and Makayla Perales. Matthew, Amanda and Hannah Gallacher and Katie Francis. Paige Klabenes and Blake Drohman. Great-Grandchildren; Kyler, Corbin, Norah, Axel, Elizabeth, Emily, Moira, Finley, Sloane, Stella, Sawyer. Brother Larry Schnakenberg and wife Grace of Tucson, AZ, brother-in-law Valdean Kershner and wife Elaine of Hastings, NE, a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
