Harlan Temple

Harlan Temple, age 81, passed away December 29, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Village, Sioux Falls, SD, under Asera Hospice care. Harlan Keith Temple was born on December 6, 1943, in Lennox, SD, the son of Arleigh P. and Sophie L. (Schmidt) Temple. He grew near Davis, attending Bennett Rural School #89 through the fourth grade. He then attended school at Crippled Children's Hospital and School, Sioux Falls, through his sophomore year in high school and then graduated from Lennox High School in 1963. From childhood, Harlan had a passion for farming, driving tractor and running machinery, working the farm with his Dad. He began his career as an independent insurance agent in February of 1964. Initially his agency was in Lennox and then after 2 years, moved to Davis, until 2010, when Harlan sold the business, and it was relocated back to Lennox. On April 7, 1978, Harlan was united in marriage to Rita C. Bangasser-Weber. The couple made their home east of Davis. Harlan was a lifelong, active and faithful member of Second Reformed Church, Lennox, where he had served as a deacon, elder and Sunday school teacher. He belonged to Gideon's International, Bible studies and the South Dakota Independent Insurance Agents (IIASD). Harlan volunteered with the Davis Winterstock play productions, hospice volunteer and as coach for the United Wolf Pack Special Olympics Team. He worked with the Occupational Therapy students and professors at USD and became a big Coyote fan. Harlan wrote an autobiography titled "The Best is Yet To Be." Harlan was blessed to have had very caring and loving parents who most importantly, showed him the way to salvation through Jesus Christ. He treasured being with family and friends and liked to laugh, have fun and live life to the fullest. Harlan also enjoyed fishing, hunting, being in God's creation, collecting farm toys (mostly John Deere) and communicating with family and friends via his computer. Harlan was preceded in death by his sister, Joan Temple in 2011, his father Arleigh in 2013 and mother, Sophie in 2014; his brother-in-law, Ervin DeVries in 1993. Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of over 46 years, Rita, sister, Ardyth DeVries, Holland, MI and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services will begin at 1:30 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2025, at Second Reformed Church, Lennox, SD. Visitation, with the family present, also at Second Reformed Church, will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the USD Anatomy Dept or the USD Occupational Therapy Dept or the United Wolf Pack Special Olympics Team.

Harlan Temple

December 6, 1943 - December 29, 2024

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