Memorial services for Harlan A. Bang of Albert Lea will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. Shane Koepke will officiate. Military honors will be accorded by Albert Lea veteran’s organizations. Friends may visit with family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Bonnerup Funeral Service and one hour before the service at the church. Interment will be at 4 p.m. Thursday in Beaver Creek Cemetery in rural Joice, Iowa.

Harlan died surrounded by those he loved, on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community in Albert Lea. He was 86.

He was born on Feb. 24, 1931, in Joice, the son of Herman and Edith (Tvedt) Bang.

Harlan graduated from Joice High School, received his associates degree from Waldorf College, his Bachelor of Science degree from Luther College and later his master’s degree from the University of Minnesota. He taught school in Story City, Iowa, for one year before he served his country in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954.

He married Ardis Lindflott in August 1958 in Joice, at the same church where he was baptized and confirmed.

Harlan served as District No. 241 Elementary School principal for 35 years, retiring in 1991. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, where he had served as a Sunday school teacher, on church council, on the personnel committee and was an usher.

Through the court system, Harlan helped many in the community, young and old alike, to attain independence and manage their affairs.

Passionate about art, Harlan was active in the Art Center and found much joy in his own talent for drawing and painting.

He loved his family, being involved in his grandchildren’s lives, talking to people and learning their story.

He was a great friend to many. Harlan will be greatly missed by his wife, Ardis; his children and their families Marna (Mark) Levisen of Rochester and their son, Sam, Carolyn Bang of Eagan, Julie (Tom) Sorenson of Albert Lea and their children Erica and Drew, Lisa (Greg) Hoffman of Lincoln, Nebraska, and their children Elizabeth, Julien, Louis and Violet; brothers:Vernon (Ardis) Bang of Plano, Texas, and Norman (Melda) Bang of Owatonna; brother-in-law, Dean (Shirley) Lindflott of Lake Mills; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Alice, at age 10; and niece, Rhonda Bang.

“Mr. Bang” — as many remember him — looked at things as they were and imagined what they could be and spent his life helping others attain what was imagined. He will be greatly missed.

The family suggests memorials in lieu of flowers.