Harlan Schnakenberg

Harlan George Schnakenberg, 88, of Deshler, the son of George and Edna (Getz) Schnakenberg was born Oct. 26, 1934 in Carleton. He died May 21, at Thayer County Health Services in Hebron.

Harlan grew up in Sedan, Nebraska, 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.

He enlisted in the United States Army on Nov. 2, 1954, in Omaha. He attended basic training and advanced individual training as an airplane mechanic at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. After completing basic training, Harlan was assigned to the 29th Transportation Company, Fort Eustis, Virginia. Harlan was honorably discharged on Sept. 4, 1956 and made his way home by hitchhiking back to Nebraska and surprising his parents.

After returning home, Harlan helped area farmers and 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 the Getz family farm north of Deshler where they custom fed cattle. They together also custom baled hay and chopped silage for area neighbors, along with tending to their own operation. In 1980, Harlan’s family moved from Deshler to the Getz farm. Harlan moved back to Deshler in 2019, but still continued to help with daily chores until his death.

He enjoyed being involved in the Deshler community, whether it be serving on the Deshler school board, and handing diplomas to three of his own children, or serving as Thayer Co. 4-H Leader for several years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Elvira; son, Lonnie Schnakenberg; brother,Merlen Schnakenberg; sister, Leela Mae Crockett; and great-granddaughter, Lainey Mae Drohman.

He is survived by sons, Michael Schnakenberg of Glenvil, Bruce Schnakenberg of Maxwell, Derek Schnakenberg of Carleton; daughters Kimberly Perales of Watauga, Texas, Robin Gallacher of Winterport, Maine, Barbara Drohman of Hastings; and his grandchildren.

His funeral was held Friday at Peace Lutheran Church in Deshler. Officiant was Pastor Joe Love.

Burial was in the Davenport City Cemetery.