Harland Puck

Harlan Joe Puck was born January 1, 1916 in Sioux Valley, Minnesota, the son of George and Anna (Lage) Puck. He graduated from Sioux Valley High School in 1934 where he played basketball and later played on the alumni team. He started farming until being called to serve his country during World War II, from 1942-1945. He then took over the Puck family farm. Harlan was united in marriage to Betty Roth on May 29, 1950 in Ocheyedan, Iowa. They farmed for thirty years until son, Mark and Gayla took over. They were the fourth generation. Harlan and Betty retired in 1980 moving to their new home in Lake Park, Iowa. After retirement, he worked for Arco Dehydrating Company in Lake Park, driving a hay truck during the summer months for seventeen years. He was baptized and a member of the Presbyterian Church, serving as elder, trustee and new church building committee. Harlan also served on the Sioux Valley School Board, Jackson County Fair Board. He was active in the 4-H as a youth and adult. He was a member of the Minnesota Hereford Breeders Association. He raised Pure Bred Herefords and won many prizes in Hereford shows. Harlan was a member of the Sioux Valley Legion for sixty-three years. Harlan passed away on September 16, 2008 at the Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake, Iowa at ninety-two years of age. He is survived by his daughter, Ronna Puck of St. Paul, Minnesota; grandchildren, Destiny (Jon) Lempiainen of Ames, Iowa and Jesse Puck of Iowa City, Iowa; great-grandchildren, Gabriella and Riley; daughter-in-law, Gayla (Rademacher) Place and her husband, Greg Place of Spirit Lake, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters; wife, Betty and one son, Mark.