Harlan J. Nieuwsma

Harlan J. Nieuwsma

Marion

Harlan J. Nieuwsma passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at the age of 91.

Harlan was born August 30, 1933, in Pella, Iowa, the firstborn child of John and Henrietta (Van Kooten) Nieuwsma.

Harlan served four years in the United States Air Force from 1952-1956 and was stationed throughout Europe during the Korean conflict.

Harlan married Shirley A. Rook on July 27, 1956, in Pella, Iowa. They recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary.

Harlan attended the University of Iowa following his military service, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering. Following his graduation, Harlan and Shirley moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Harlan and Shirley were long-time residents of Marion, Iowa, living at their acreage on Indian Creek Road for 57 years. They were both long-time members of First Presbyterian Church.

Harlan’s career spanned 35 years at Rockwell Collins, during which he held numerous engineering positions. Harlan was most proud of his work developing system solutions for commercial aerospace, providing advanced products serving the US military, and being at the innovative forefront of precision GPS farming. His career was greatly admired by his two sons, who followed in his footsteps, working a combined 70 years at Collins.

First and foremost, Harlan was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Following his retirement from Rockwell Collins, he became very active in genealogy, conducting extensive research and publishing two books documenting multiple centuries of family history. He loved the outdoors and was very proud of his lawn and gardens. He and Shirley loved to travel, and often took their children with them to numerous interesting locations. Harlan was quite a conversationalist, and people often described him as having never met a stranger. He was a voracious reader and lifelong learner, in particular historical books about impactful people and world events. Harlan loved woodworking in his spare time and was also very active in scouting with his two sons.

Harlan is survived by his loving wife Shirley; his three children Steven (Peggy) of Marion, Julie Waggoner (Brian) of Clive, Iowa, and David (Mary) of Marion; eleven grandchildren: Benjamin of Central City, Alison of Marion, Katherine of Marion, Samuel (Sarah) of Des Moines, Joseph of Cedar Rapids, John (Jenna) of Des Moines, Joshua of Des Moines and Ella of Des Moines, Jacob of Salt Lake City, Utah, Jennifer of Glen Burnie, Maryland and Stephanie (Juan) of Lakewood, Colorado; his seven great-grandchildren: Mason, Keegan, Maizik, Logan, Konnor, SJ and Lizzie; and three siblings: Dennis, Doreatha and Connie. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service will be held for Harlan on Saturday, September 28 at 9:00 am, First Presbyterian Church, Marion, Iowa. Friends may arrive up to an hour early to enjoy a commemoration of his life. Refreshments will be served following the service in the church basement. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Pella, Iowa at 1:00 pm.

Memorials may be given to the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight.