Harlan passed away at his home in Chelsea, Michigan, on November 29, 2021.
Born on February 2, 1933, in Browntown, Wisconsin, he was son of Del and Ruth Fritz, and brother to Roger, Stanley, and Rebecca.
Harlan graduated in 1951 from Freeport High School where he was a member of the Illinois state championship basketball team. Harlan was inducted into the Illinois High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1959 following service in the Korean War. Harlan was an Animal Health Specialist with American Cyanamid.
Harlan married the love of his life, Helen Leitzen, on September 1, 1956 in Warren, Illinois. Harlan and Helen lived in Illinois, Wisconsin, California, New Jersey, and Michigan. They shared many varied interests, including breeding and raising Clydesdale horses for 25 years. This was a family affair which included their children, Brian (California), Beth and Tim Post (Idaho), Sally and Robert DeVol (Chelsea, MI), and Amy and Bob Linden (California). He took time to mentor his seven grandsons, Brian II, Andrew, Harlan, Doug, Scott, Michael, and Matt, supporting them in their endeavors and activities.
Harlan valued his lifelong friends, many of whom he met in grade school. He loved his family and friends and made frequent contact with them a high priority. Harlan had the ability to mix humor into serious every day matters. He loved music, especially from the Big Band era. Harlan believed in the 3 C’s: common sense, conscience, and compassion.
A private family memorial will be held at a later date. At Harlan’s request, memorial donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (for Military and First Responders), or to Silver Maples of Chelsea, specify either “Staff Appreciation” or “Scholarship Fund.”
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
