Harlan Rajdl

Harlan Rajdl, age 90 of Villard, died peacefully surrounded by his family at home on Friday, November 29, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 9th at St. Bartholomew's Catholic Church in Villard with Father Joe Vandeberg officiating. A Rosary lead by the Knights of Columbus will be on Sunday, December 8th at 2:30 p.m. followed by a visitation from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service at the church in Villard. Interment will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Villard. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood. 

Harlan Henry Rajdl was born to Henry and Helen (Tvrdik) Rajdl on July 18, 1934 in Glenwood. Harlan's early life was shared with his brother, Howard, as they grew up on the family farm. Harlan's life was marked by a series of commitments: to his country, his community, and his faith. A proud graduate of Villard High School in 1952, he went on to serve in the United States Army as a track vehicle mechanic from February 15, 1955, until his honorable discharge on February 7, 1957. His dedication to agriculture was evident in his over 40 years as a dairy farmer, a vocation that he pursued with passion and excellence.

Harlan was united in marriage to Rita Kinney on August 26, 1958, at St. Bartholomew's Catholic Church in Villard. Together, they cultivated a life full of love and hard work on their farm near Villard, where they raised five children and shared 57 years of marriage before Rita died on December 13, 2015.

Harlan was an active member of St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Villard American Legion. His commitment to service was evident through his volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity and Let's Go Fishing, organizations.

Harlan's interests and talents were as diverse as they were rich. A gifted musician, he began with the clarinet, later mastering the saxophone, valve trombone, and bass horn. He played with the Cliff Mickelson band, led the Harlan Rajdl band, and brought joy to many with his performances in nursing homes. His love for music was matched by his passion for fishing, woodworking, and playing card games like whist and 500. As a member of the Heartland Polka Swingers, Harlan's love for dancing was well-known, as was his infectious sense of humor and ever-present smile. After Rita died Harlan's life was further graced by the companionship of his old friend, Maxine Benesh, with whom he shared many joyous moments.

Harlan is survived by his children: Dwight (Kim) Rajdl, Dale (Deb) Rajdl, Veronica (Earl) Myhre, and John (Julie) Rajdl; daughter-in-law, Dottie Rajdl; his brother, Howard (Dorothy) Rajdl; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Desirae (Hamid); Robert (Tara) and their children, Reese, Tessa and Rhett; Nicole (Greg) and their children, Amelia, Ruby and Vincent; Amanda (Tony) and their children Levi, Hayden and Brynlee; Tiffany (Alden) and their children, Asher, Hazel and Kennedy; Ashley (Eric) and their children, Brock, Weston, and Audrey; Grant (Cori) and their children, Hailee and Grayson; Ben (Ella); Nathan (Emily); Nicole (Zachary) and their children, Robert, Richard and Matthew; Katie (Jordan) and their daughter, Iris; Matthew (Terra); Anna (Danielle) and their children, Henrietta, Walter and Benjamin; Bethany; Amanda (Jordy) and their children, Tessa and Ellie; one great-great grandson, Owen; other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.

Harlan was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rita; his son, Wallace; and three grandsons, Nicholas Myhre, T.J. Rajdl, and Benjamin Rajdl.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.