Harlan Dale Goetsch was born March 2, 1923, to Adolf and Millie (Kruse) Goetsch. He received his education at Paullina, Iowa, graduating from Paullina High School with the class of 1940. He moved with his family to Hartley, Iowa in 1942, where his father operated Goetsch Company, the International Harvester implement business located there.

    Harlan worked alongside his father, Adolf and brother, Gerald at Goetsch Company until he left for radio school, followed by Boeing School of Aeronautics. He then enlisted in the United States Air Transport Command, a unit which was used during WWII as the strategic airlift component of the United States Army Air Force, serving in this capacity from 1942 to 1944. Harlan became an ensign with the Merchant Marines from 1944 to 1946, acting as radio operator. He served on five different vessels during his time in service, being released on August 1, 1946.

    In 1948, Harlan was united in marriage to Lorna Ruth Lucas. Their family grew to include two daughters: Susan and Nancy, born 1950 and 1953 respectively. In the 1960s, Harlan became affiliated with the Security State Bank in Hartley, operating as vice president and providing farm loans. With his background in ag equipment, he was often tapped for advice on repairing the same.

    On May 9, 2024, Harlan passed from this life at the age of 101 years. He is now reunited with loved ones who had gone before: his wife, Lorna; his parents, Adolph and Millie Goetsch; his brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Joan Goetsch; grandson, Steven Brazle; son-in-law, Larry Wood; and brothers-in-law: Donald Hansen and Jim Lucas.

    Left to keep his memory close in heart are his two daughters: Susan (Dan) Rohlf, and Nancy Wood; grandsons: Jed (Jenni) Rohlf, Ryan Rohlf, Nick Wood, and Jeff (Brenna) Wood; great-grandsons: Aiden Magel Wood, Finn, Barclay, and Cannon Rohlf; Warren and Henry Wood; his sister, LaVonne (Goetsch) Hansen; sister-in-law, Loni Lucas; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.