Harlan F. Plager, son of Fred H. and Lena H. (Koehler) Plager was born on November 15, 1938 at the family home in rural Pawnee County, Nebraska. He was baptized Dec. 11, 1938 and confirmed Sept. 14, 1952 at the St. James Lutheran Church, rural Humboldt. Harlan grew up on the family farm in rural Pawnee County. As a youngster, Harlan liked to play tennis and built a tennis court at his house. He won a tennis tournament in Elk Creek.

Harlan attended elementary school at Bush School and graduated from Elk Creek High School. During high school, Harlan was very involved in athletics including basketball, baseball and football. He was Omaha World Herald athlete of the week on multiple occasions for basketball. The highlight of his high school basketball career was when his team won the Mudecas Tournament in 1956. Harlan and his team were honored at the 50th anniversary of this event in 2006. Harlan is still named in the Nebraska boys state basketball records for most points in a career and most points in one game. However, Harlan claimed he really liked baseball better! After graduation, Harlan worked for the grain elevator and then began farming with dad and brother, Richard Plager.

Harlan married Carla K. Jacobson on August 6, 1965 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Otoe, NE. Harlan and Carla lived in Elk Creek for 2 years before moving to the family farm in 1968. Harlan and Carla had two children, Jenny Lou and Greg Steven. Harlan and Carla spent much of their time attending their children’s events as they were growing up and supporting them in everything they did. Despite working long hours, Harlan also enjoyed socializing with many friends.

Harlan was a dedicated farmer his entire life. He spent a great deal of time improving his farms and received an NRD conservation award in 1981. Harlan continued his farming career with brother, Richard, nephew, Gene Lee Plager, and most recently, his son Greg. Harlan was a life-long member of St. James Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council on a number of occasions. Harlan and Carla moved to Tecumseh in 2011.

One of Harlan’s greatest loves in life was his 6 grandchildren.  He enjoyed the many occasions where he attended their dance recitals, music concerts, church programs, field trips and baseball, basketball and football games. Harlan often took his grandchildren farming with him.  Harlan and his family went on several trips including trips to Oklahoma, Illinois, Iowa, Wyoming and Kansas City. Most recently, Harlan and Carla celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a family trip to Branson.

Harlan was truly a hard worker and a survivor.  He survived a serious heart attack in 2006, and survived cancer for three and a half years.  Harlan went to heaven on October 22, 2015 as the result of a sudden medical event while driving his pickup near the family farm.  He passed away on the same property where he was born and spent virtually his entire life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Lena Plager, in-laws, Carl and Sylvia Jacobson, his beloved nephew Gene Lee Plager and most recently his brother-in-law, Larry Rhoten in April, 2015.

Harlan is survived by his wife Carla, daughter Jenny and husband Tim Panko of Syracuse, son Greg and wife Christal Plager of Table Rock, grandchildren, Jacob, Jared and Brodie Panko and Haylee, Ryan and Layne Plager, brother, Richard Plager and wife Vera of rural Humboldt, sister, Lois Ann Bartels and husband Eldon of Elk Creek, as well as many other family members and friends.

Harlan survives in the hearts of those who love him.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2015, at the St. James (Long Branch) Lutheran Church, rural Humboldt, Nebraska with Pastors Eric and Amalia Spruth-Janssen officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m.-8 p.m., with family greeting friends from 6-8, Monday, October 26, 2015, at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska.  Interment will be at the St. James (Long Branch) Cemetery.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the family’s choice. Online messages of condolence can be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com. Wherry Mortuary-Tecumseh, Nebraska (402) 335-2921.