Dorothy J. Harlan

Dorothy J. Harlan

Cedar Rapids

Dorothy J. Harlan, 96, of Cedar Rapids died Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, after a short illness. Funeral Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. A livestream of the funeral service may be accessed on the funeral home website under the obituary for Dorothy J. Harlan, under the video tab starting at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20. Interment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation: 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories.

Dorothy was born on July 26, 1927, the daughter of Arnold and Florence (Britton) Roupe in Algona, Iowa, and later moved to Cedar Rapids.

She attended school in Cedar Rapids and graduated from Franklin High School in 1945.

Dorothy married her high school sweetheart, Donald L. “Don” Harlan on Aug. 18, 1946, in Cedar Rapids.

Dorothy was very artistic and creative and painted many pictures for her children and grandchildren, which we all cherish!

Dorothy and Don were married for 72 wonderful years. They were blessed with four loving children.

They moved to Sunnyvale, Calif., in 1971 where she was employed by the City of Sunnyvale Police Department.

While Sunnyvale, Calif., was their home for 29 years, it was always their intention to return to Cedar Rapids after retirement. In Sunnyvale, Dorothy and Don were very active with many social and charitable groups.

Don and Dorothy became members of Westminster Presbyterian Church upon returning to Cedar Rapids, where they were very active as long as they were able to be.

Dorothy was a 50-year member of PEO, LU Chapter and very proud of it.

The things she enjoyed most were spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, going to Tommy’s Restaurant for lunch, Yosemite trips, family vacations, family reunions, and many many friends, especially Barb Mumford who was a favorite.

Survivors include three daughters, Catherine Harlan, Barbara Morris, and Janet English; one son John Harlan; several wonderful grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, an amazing brother, David Roupe and sister-in-law Marilyn Roupe, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Don, daughter-in-law Mary, brother Roland Roupe, and brother and sister-in-law Marvin and Margaret Roupe.

Dorothy loved to help plan events when she was able and had a great sense of humor.

We would like to give special thanks to the staff of 4 Center for their great care, Chaplain Phil, Dr. Bell, and the staff of Hospice at UnityPoint-St. Luke’s.

Memorials may be addressed to Westminster Presbyterian Church in memory of Dorothy.

Online condolences are welcome at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.