Obituary: Harlan Ernest William Thieding

Harlan Ernest William Thieding, 88 of Loganville, went to his heavenly home Friday, November 3, 2023.  He was born March 29, 1935 in Reedsburg to Ernest and Agnes (Schenck) Thieding.

He is a 1952 graduate of Reedsburg High School. Harlan was united in marriage to the love of his life, Roberta Licht June 27,1970 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Loganville and together they raised their three children, Lisa,Todd and Sara in addition to fostering 7 children over a 6-year period. They were blessed to celebrate 51 years together before Roberta’s passing in 2021.

Harlan was a lifelong farmer who worked for his uncles, neighbors and Westfield Township before taking over ownership of the Thieding homestead on “The Ridge” in 1968 in partnership with his brother Roy and sister-in-law Marie. He was also a seed farmer-dealer (Northrup King, AgriPro, Garst) for over 20 years. In 1984, Harlan and Roberta moved their family to the current farm where they continued to farm with son Todd until well into Harlan’s 87 th year. Harlan was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Stone Church where he was baptized and confirmed. Over the years he served the Zion congregation as Sunday School Treasurer, church council member and president while also serving on the Zion Cemetery Association for over 60 years.

Harlan is survived by his children, Lisa (Greg) Schulenberg of Pittsboro, IN, Todd Thieding of Loganville, and Sara (Leon) Zinck of Dane; four grandchildren Nick & Megan Schulenberg and Eli and Callie Zinck; two brothers, Ernie of McFarland and Roy (Annetta) of Colwich, KS; Three sister-in-laws: Marie Bryan of Kanarraville, UT, Jan (Dave) Towne of Mount Pleasant, IA, and Terri (Rob) Tomaszewski of Rhinelander; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. In addition to wife Roberta, Harlan was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Agnes; in-laws Willard and Adeline Licht; sister-in-law Sharon Thieding; and special cousins Dale Thieding and Marietta Thieding-Zonge.

Visitation will be held Thursday, November 9 from  4 – 7:30 pm at Grasse Funeral Home in Reedsburg. Visitation will also be held Friday, November 10 from 10 AM until the time of funeral services at 11 AM at Zion Lutheran Stone Church in Westfield Township. Interment in Zion Cemetery with a luncheon immediately following. In lieu of flowers and trees, memorials to Agrace Foundation, Zion Lutheran Cemetery Association or the Farmer Angel Network are encouraged. His family would like to thank the many family and friends for their never-ending love, support, prayers, cards, calls and visits. A very special thank you to the teams at Pine Villa Memory Care and Agrace Hospice for his wonderful care this past year. Online condolences may be made at www.grassefs.com. Grasse Funeral & Cremation Service in Reedsburg is serving the family.