Harlan Lee Unruh

Harlan Lee Unruh was born October 1, 1948 in Colby, KS to Harvey and Lottie (Peters) Unruh. After battling cancer for eight years, he peacefully slipped away in the early morning hours of March 20, 2024 at Maple View Retirement Community, Ithaca, Michigan, reaching the age of seventy-five years.

Dad was the second to youngest in a family of two sisters and five brothers. When he was two years old, the Unruh family moved from Western Kansas to Gratiot County, Michigan. Three years later in 1954, they relocated to a farm in the Midville, Georgia area. Here he received his formal education in the Midville School. He enjoyed these years, forming friendships and creating lasting memories.

In his teen years, Dad gave his heart to God, and was baptized by Minister Maynard Peters into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite at Stapleton, Georgia on February 12, 1967. Dad completed 1-W service in Kansas City and North Georgia. Following his service, he felt the need for a closer walk with God. He reconsecrated his life and embraced the Faith until the end. The Church was precious to him, and we appreciated his concern for us to be faithful.

Harlan and I, Glenda Koehn, were united in marriage at Macon, Mississippi on October 3, 1971 by Min. Don Seiler. We made our home on a dairy farm in the Louisville, Georgia area where our home was blessed with three children. In the spring of 1985 we made a cross country move to Buhl, Idaho. We were involved in agriculture and dairy farming until later opening a bakery. We enjoyed scenic Idaho and spent many Sunday afternoons sight seeing as a family.

In 1993, we moved back to Georgia. Dad worked with his brother Ronald in the steel building industry, then later taking ownership of the Wrens Mini Lube in Wrens, Georgia. He was a steady, hard worker and applied himself diligently to the task at hand.

Dad had a tomato greenhouse for a few years in early retirement where he loved to experiment with various seeds and plants. The grandchildren enjoyed spending time with him there. Each grandchild was special to him and they loved helping their “Papa”. We loved his quiet humor and those crinkles around his eyes that announced a witty comment soon to come.

Five short weeks ago, we moved our parents to Maple View Retirement Community in Ithaca, Michigan. Together, Dad and Mom enjoyed their new home, renewing old acquaintances and making new friends.

Dad left us with a precious assurance of salvation. His courage in the face of his adversities has been an inspiration to us. It is our sincere desire and determination to meet him again.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Glenda; two sons: Wendell and wife Betsy, Vermontville, Michigan; Vincent and wife Cara, Louisville, Georgia; daughter Clara and husband Greg Koehn, Liberty, Kentucky; ten grandchildren: Grant and wife Shannon, Abigail, Colby, Emily, Lindsey, Aaron, Tyson, Thomas, Analisa, and Raquel.

Dad’s brothers and sisters: Rosalie and Ike Loewen, Thelma Gearig, Melvin and Barbara, Kenneth and Anne, Ronald and Frances, sister-in-law Mabel Rooks Unruh Ensz; two brothers-in-law: Myron Koehn, Arlin and Ellen Koehn, sisters-in-law Frances Koehn, Annora and Melvin Friesen, and many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, one brother, four brothers-in-law, two sisters-in-law, and two nephews.

We wish to give thanks to the Pinecrest Congregation for their love and prayers over the last few years and many acts of kindness now at Dad’s time of passing. Also, we express deep gratitude to the staff at the Maple View Retirement Community for their tender care during his short stay.