Harlan Loeschke

Harlan Loeschke, age 86, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Peaceful Pines Senior Living in Milbank.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Central Church in Milbank, SD.

Harlan Francis Loeschke was born on May 2, 1939, in the family home in rural Milbank, SD. He was the third son born to Harold and Margaret (Kiern) Loeschke. When Harlan was a young child, the family moved to a farm outside of Big Stone City, SD. He told stories about helping walk the cattle from the Milbank farm to the Big Stone City farm.

Harlan’s many great memories included: fishing in the Whetstone Creek, which ran through the farm, sledding with area residents, watching the outdoor movie screen across the highway from the farm, and being lovingly pranked by his two older brothers.

Being confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ortonville, MN, Harlan became an active member of the church. After graduating from Big Stone High School in 1957, he proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.

After working for 40 years at Whetstone Valley Electric, Harlan was able to retire. He was well known in the area for his tree trimming business.

Outside of his electrician work and tree trimming, Harlan enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing cards at the Senior Center, and gardening. He and his brother, Lyle, enjoyed going to auctions in search of tractors.

A highlight of Harlan’s life was traveling several times to Sierra Leone, Africa, with a group from Central Methodist Church. Organizing and collecting donations was something he enjoyed prior to the trips they took.

Left to cherish Harlan’s memory are sister, Sandy (Jerry) Rieck of Sioux Falls, SD; and four grandchildren: Malissa, Robert, Courtney, and Grace Loeschke.

Harlan had three sons who preceded him in death in their early adult lives: Bob, Doug, and Bradley. He was also preceded in death by his parents; and brothers: James and Lyle.