Harlan R. Nelson

Harlan Ralph Nelson was born on May 28, 1950, at York General Hospital in York, Nebraska, to Ralph Oscar and Hazel Nell (Erickson) Nelson.

On April 10, 1981, Harlan married Sandra Sue (Leybold). Together they built a life centered on family, and hard work, raising three sons: Craig Leybold, Ryan Nelson, and Craig Nelson.

Harlan proudly served his country as a member of the Navy Seabees, carrying the values of dedication and service throughout his life. Following his military service, he became an over-the-road truck driver before building a career in the construction industry by owning and operating Harlan's Services and later Integrity Inc. He then settled in Crete, Nebraska, where he worked in the maintenance department at Doane College. Harlan and Sandra later made their home in Ulysses, Nebraska, where he joined the Village of Ulysses and faithfully served the community until retiring in January 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Above all else, Harlan loved his family. He was incredibly proud of his sons and the men they became. Some of his favorite simple pleasures included sipping a hot cup of coffee with his beloved "dunker" cookies, enjoying a good meal, or indulging in a piece of candy. His sweet tooth stayed with him throughout his life, and those closest to him will always remember his stash of "smart pills"—better known as Reese's Pieces—in the cupboard. He loved all animals, but dogs held an especially special place in his heart.

Harlan had a deep appreciation for history and the treasures of the past. He enjoyed collecting old toys, coins, and rocks gathered over the years, and he found great satisfaction in preserving memories through journaling and researching his family's history. A man of order and routine, Harlan believed everything had its proper place and preferred to keep it that way. His faith became the foundation of his later years, and he treasured attending gospel meetings, Bible studies, and times of fellowship with fellow believers.

Harlan's legacy is one of steadfast work ethic, quiet generosity, unwavering faith, and deep love for his family. He will always be remembered for his feisty spirit, kind heart, attention to detail, enduring sense of humor, and the countless ways he touched the lives of those who knew and loved him.

Grateful for the privilege of sharing his life are his wife, Sandra Nelson; his sons, Craig Leybold of Lincoln, Nebraska, Ryan (Brandize) Nelson of Madison, South Dakota, and Craig (Tess) Nelson of Madison, South Dakota; sister, Eileen (Ken) Miller of Ulysses, Nebraska; grandchildren, Seth Leybold, Kendean Bahr, Elijah Malsom, Declan Nelson, Ebeni Nelson, Micah Nelson, and Malachi Nelson; great-granddaughter, Harlynn Leybold; uncle, Delmar Erickson; sisters-in-law, Linda (Marvin) Schildt and Donna Keane; niece, Candy Noe; nephews, Rod (Kati) Miller, Chad Nelson, Mike (Katherine) Schildt, Matt Schildt, Jason Keane, and Nick Keane; great-nieces, Kiersten Wegner and Elisiah Bevard; great-nephews, Nicholas Wegner, Christopher Wegner, Nathan Noe, and Jack Inglis. He also held a special place in his heart for family friends Duane and Jaala Nelson, as well as many other extended family members and dear friends.

Harlan was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Nelson; mother, Hazel (Gilbert) Heinke; brother, Clarence Nelson and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends whose memories he cherished.