Harlan D. Prauner

Funeral services for Harlan D. Prauner, 81, of Norfolk, will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 9, 2018, at Christ Lutheran Church in Norfolk. Reverend David Goehmann will officiate. Burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Norfolk. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church. Home for Funerals is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Prauner passed away November 5, 2018, at Heritage of Bel Air.

Harlan was born July 28, 1937, on the family farm south of Battle Creek to his parents Martin and Doris (Kunz) Prauner.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church south of Battle Creek.

He attended St. Peter’s Grade School in rural Battle Creek, graduated from Battle Creek High School in 1955 and was active in sports and all high school activities. Harlan attended Wayne State until entering the military, where he served in the US Army in Korea and the states.

On January 7, 1959, Harlan was united in marriage to Carolyn M. Simpson at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Battle Creek. They lived in Fork, Maryland before settling in Norfolk, where they spent their next 58 years.

After his military duty, Harlan was employed by WJAG Radio. Later, he was sales manager for Walker-Meyer Furniture. He finished his working career at Affiliated Foods, in Norfolk, where he was Human Resource and Personnel Director, for 25 years.

Harlan was active in the Norfolk community serving on the Chamber of Commerce Board; the Budget Committee; Business-Education Committee; Area Career to Work Program; Norfolk Area Personnel Association; Legislative Council; Industrial Council; and Women’s Division: Pat on the Back, Angel Award in 2000. Harlan was Jaycee Board member for 6 years; Faith Regional Foundation Board for 5 years; Edward Vrzal Committee Chairman from 1985—2015; Norfolk LaVitsef Outstanding Citizen—2000; Norfolk Centennial Committee and MC at the Centennial Ball; Team member of the United Way—46 years; served as secretary of the Lions Club.

Harlan was involved in many church activities while at Grace Lutheran and Christ Lutheran churches. While at Christ Lutheran, he was an Elder—23 years; Congregation Chairman; Stewardship Chairman—4 years; Call Committee; and LCEF District Foundation Board—5 years. His favorite was doing the Live Christmas Nativity Program with the children and livestock for 20 years.

Harlan loved all sports and travel was a highlight of enjoyment in their marriage.

He is survived by his daughter, Kay Streit, of Alameda, CA; his brother Larry Prauner and sister in law Janice, of Battle Creek; brother in law and sister in law, Don and Nadine Wacker; brother in law and sister in law, Robert and Marge Simpson; nieces and nephews.

Harlan was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn, in 2017; his parents and parents in law, Lloyd and Rosella Simpson.

Memorials may be directed to Christ Lutheran Church, Christ Lutheran School or family choice.

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