Staton, Harlan L.

Harlan L. Staton, 88, died Friday, April 1, 2011, at St. Mary's Care Center in Madison, Wis., surrounded by his family. Services: 11 a.m. Monday, April 11, at First Christian Church, Center Point, by the Rev. John Caughron. Friends may call from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Center Point. Burial: Center Point Cemetery.

Survivors include his son, Steve (Anne) of Oregon, Wis.; son-in-law, Don Dufoe of Center Point; sister, Audrey (Bob) Brandl of Medinah, Ill.; seven grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gertrude; his daughter, Shirlee; six brothers; and five sisters.

Harlan was born July 17, 1922, the son of Henry and Clara Staton of Troy Mills, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Gertrude Davis on Dec. 3, 1944 in Manchester. An outstanding machinist, Harlan worked at Link-Belt Speeder for 35 years.

Harlan was a member of the First Christian Church in Center Point, and served as a deacon, the chairman of the church board for several terms, and was an elder emeritus. Harlan loved to fish, enjoying many outings on the Wapsipinicon River and trips to northern Wisconsin. He also had very fond memories of over 30 trips to Canada with his son, Steve, and other family members and friends. He enjoyed feeding and watching the birds, taking care of his lawn, cutting and splitting and burning wood to heat his house, and spending time at his beloved cabin on the Wapsi.

Harlan's greatest love was his family and he was dedicated to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Everyone would gather around him at family gatherings to listen to him spin tales of his childhood and growing up. He had friends from all walks of life in the Center Point area and was liked and respected by all who knew him.

Memorials may be directed to the First Christian Church in Center Point or Camp Courageous in Monticello.

Please sign the online guest book for Harlan at under “obituaries.”