Harlan John Will

Harlan John Will, passed away while living at Methodist Manor in Storm Lake, Iowa on August 20, 2025, 3 days after his 90th birthday. Funeral services will take place Monday, August 25, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. Burial will be in the Newell Cemetery. Visitation will take place Sunday, August 24, 2025 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in STORM LAKE. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Newell Pool Fund. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Harlan was born August 17, 1935 on a farm near Everly, Iowa to Fritz (Fred) and Berniece Jurgensen Will. Harlan was one of five children, he attended country school near Everly. Harlan married RuthAnn Otten on April 6, 1957 and together they had 2 children, Darvin Dean and Danita Dawn. Harlan and RuthAnn made their home in Spencer, Iowa and then moved to Newell, IA in the Fall of 1962 and there Harlan remained a resident until moving to Storm Lake in 2019. Harlan worked at the Newell Cooperative Elevator for 36 years. He drove feed trucks, ran the elevator, maintained the equipment and worked in the agronomy department. Harlan had been asked to move into the office and take a desk job but that was the one thing he never wanted to do. Harlan was a handyman, there wasn’t much he couldn’t fix or do. He remodeled houses, built trailers, and cut wood to burn in his wood burner. He had a basement and garage full of tools or most parts you might need to fix something. If he didn’t have the part he could fabricate one. After Harlan retired a typical day for him would be to go out to the gas station for coffee with the coffee group. He then would take his walk around Newell and make his daily visits to the Coop office, the Post Office, the bank or any business open. Harlan attended so many town council meetings that the council decided to name a street after him, Harlan Avenue. He was a great guy who loved to stay busy, visit with everyone and tease people. He enjoyed his yearly fishing trip to Lake of the Woods. Harlan was a member of the First Congregational Church, UCC in Newell. Harlan is survived by his children: Darvin Will (Becky) of Newburgh, Indiana and Danita Schnell (Michael) of Newell, Iowa; Grandchildren: Jacob Schnell (Nichole, great grandchildren Everlee and Colsen of Waukee, IA) and Halley Hawkins (Chris, great grandchildren Hayden, Cruz, and Laiken of Kearney, MO), siblings Marnie (Pat) Will of Mankato, MN and Juilliene Hewitt of Rio Rico, AZ, Sister in laws, Joan Will of Michigan, Carolyn Grothe of Sutherland, IA, Janice Nissan of Lake Park, IA and Elaine Weir of Spencer, IA and many nieces and nephews. Harlan is preceded in death by his wife, RuthAnn, parents, Fred and Berniece, parent in laws, Omer and Marjorie Otten, brothers, Stanley and Rodean and brother in laws, Paul Grothe and Rich Nissan.

Harlan John Will

August 17, 1935 - August 20, 2025