Harlan Heupel

GROTON, SD: Memorial Services for Harlan Heupel, 81, of Groton, SD will be at 2pm on Thursday, March 25th at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home in Aberdeen with Pastor Bill Duncan officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:30pm to 2pm. Internment will be at Groton Union Cemetery at a later date. Harlan died on Tuesday, March 9th at Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center. Services will be live streamed, and you can watch by following the link under Harlan’s picture on the online obituary at www.spitzerfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in care of Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 S. Main St., Aberdeen.

Harlan Jacob Heupel was born September 8, 1939 to Julius and Ida (Rohrbach) Heupel in Leola, SD. He grew up and attended school in the Hosmer area.

Harlan was united in marriage to Jarlene “Jerry” Sorenson on June 26, 1960 in Aberdeen. Over the years, they lived in Aberdeen, Rapid City and Pierpont. Then then moved to Groton, SD where they lived for 44 years.

Harlan was recognized by his peers at the Aberdeen Rural Firefighters for years of service as the Public Relations Officer from 1972-1977.

Harlan drove truck for 53 years, working for various companies until 1980, when he bought his own truck and started Heupel and Son Trucking Company. Harlan contracted with JB Hunt and Schneider Corporation during this time. He earned a 1-Million Mile Accident-Free Driving Award from Schneider Corporation. After selling his truck, Harlan continued to drive for New Deal Tire, Pro-Ag and Schmidt Construction before retiring.

Harlan loved playing cards with family and friends. He also enjoyed camping, listening to old time music and dancing. One of his favorite pastimes was playing games with his Grandchildren.

Grateful for having shared Harlan’s life are his son, Robert ‘Bob’ (Lynn) Heupel, Aberdeen and daughter, Darlene (Russell) Sass, Groton. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jeramy Heupel (Taylor Jorgensen), Josh (Josie) Heupel, Spencer Heupel, Zachary Heupel, Kyra Heupel, Jacob Sass and Ethan (Sarah) Sass and two great-grandchildren Brooklyn and Shane Sass. Also, his sister Betty (Ed) Krueger, Hartford and brother Theodore ‘Ted’ (Marj) Heupel, Aberdeen.

Preceding Harlan in death are his parents, Julius and Ida Heupel; his wife, Jarlene ‘ Jerry’ Heupel and his sister, Kathy and her husband, Richard Lappegard.

spitzer@spitzerfuneralhome.com