Harlan M. Wittmer

Funeral services for Harlan M. Wittmer, age 95, of Albert Lea, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at Trinity Lutheran Church.  Rev. Eileen Woyen will officiate. Interment will be at Graceland Cemetery.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Harlan Melvin Wittmer died on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at St. John’s Lutheran Community.

Harlan was born on February 12, 1925 in Pickerel Lake Township to William and Louise (Bangert) Wittmer. He grew up on a farm outside of Alden, MN where he attended both elementary and high school. On May 9, 1948, Harlan married Erlys Wacholz at Mansfield Lutheran Church. Together they had three children. Harlan and Erlys lived a majority of their married life on the family farm where he was born.

 Harlan was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea and in earlier years a member of Concordia Lutheran Church of Pickerel Lake.

Some of Harlan’s hobbies included painting (western landscapes were his specialty), drawing, and reading. He also enjoyed attending air shows, being outdoors, and playing the organ.

Harlan is survived by his wife of 71 ½ years, Erlys; children, Mary (Marlin) Peterson, Robert (Catherine) Wittmer, and James Wittmer; grandchildren, Kristina (Jon) Buss, Eric (Blythe) Peterson, Andrew (Danielle) Peterson, Colin (Amelia) Wittmer, and Anthony (Alyssa) Wittmer; 10 great grandchildren; and his sister, Gladys Mae Johnson.

Harlan was preceded in death by his parents, William and Louise; siblings, Elmer (Dorothy) Wittmer, and Wilma (Donald) Olson; and brother-in-law, Al Johnson.

Memorials preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church or St. John’s Lutheran Community on Fountain Lake.