Funeral services for Harlan M. Wittmer, 95, of Albert Lea will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church. The Rev. Eileen Woyen will officiate. Interment will be at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church Saturday. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Harlan Melvin Wittmer died Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at St. John’s Lutheran Community.

Harlan was born Feb. 12, 1925, in Pickerel Lake Township to William and Louise (Bangert) Wittmer. He grew up on a farm outside of Alden, where he attended both elementary and high school.

On May 9, 1948, Harlan married Erlys Wacholz at Mansfield Lutheran Church. Together they had three children. Harlan and Erlys lived a majority of their married life on the family farm where he was born.

Harlan was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea and in earlier years a member of Concordia Lutheran Church of Pickerel Lake.

Some of Harlan’s hobbies included painting (western landscapes were his specialty), drawing and reading. He also enjoyed attending air shows, being outdoors and playing the organ.

Harlan is survived by his wife of 71 1/2 years, Erlys; children Mary (Marlin) Peterson, Robert (Catherine) Wittmer and James Wittmer; grandchildren Kristina (Jon) Buss, Eric (Blythe) Peterson, Andrew (Danielle) Peterson, Colin (Amelia) Wittmer and Anthony (Alyssa) Wittmer; 10 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Gladys Mae Johnson.

Harlan was preceded in death by his parents William and Louise; siblings Elmer (Dorothy) Wittmer and Wilma (Donald) Olson; and brother-in-law, Al Johnson.

Memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church or St. John’s Lutheran Community on Fountain Lake.