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Harlan “Huck” Ehlers, 73, of Albert City died Dec. 31, 2024, at St. Luke's UnityPoint Health in Sioux City, following a short battle with cancer.
Memorial services will take place Saturday, Jan. 18, at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in rural Storm Lake. Burial will be in Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery. Time of gathering visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 17, from 5-7 p.m. at the church. Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
Huck was born on May 1, 1951, in Storm Lake to Gordon and Margie (Zadow) Ehlers. He was baptized on May 13, 1951, and confirmed his faith on April 11, 1965, at Zion Lutheran Church, where he remained a lifelong member. Huck attended Zion Lutheran Parochial School through the eighth grade and attended Albert City-Truesdale High School. He participated in football and wrestling, and graduated in 1969. After graduation, he went to Northwest Iowa Vocational School in Sheldon and graduated with a degree in carpentry.
On March 22, 1972, Huck was united in marriage to Valerye Dummett. They were blessed with one son, Hugh. The couple was later divorced.
Following college, he served in the Seabees branch of the Navy and specialized in carpentry while serving. After his service, he returned to the Albert City area and worked for Harold Carlson until moving to Walker, Minn., where he worked for Bailey Lumber Company, Lambert Cabinets, The Goalpost Bar and Lounge, and did handyman jobs on the side. His greatest joy while in Minnesota was when he built a home for his parents. Huck moved to the southern California area near Bakersfield in 1986 and worked for Jerry C. Troyna Construction Company. Later he moved to the Palm Springs area and became a licensed California contractor working with Ronald VanMeetran remodeling homes. He moved back to Iowa in 2008 and worked for Mark Rebhuhn until his retirement.
Huck enjoyed fishing year-round at Leech Lake near Walker, Minn. He loved watching westerns, Cops, LivePD and other reality shows. During the warm months, you could find Huck riding his motorcycle, gardening and fishing. He was always willing to help anyone in need, was very kind and loveable and will be greatly missed.
Left to cherish Huck’s memory include his son Hugh (Tracy Bultena) Ehlers of Sheldon; brother Fredrick (Sue) Ehlers of Albert City; sister Doris Erickson of Albert City; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and special friend Kelli Barklind.
Huck was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Margie Ehlers, and his infant sister.
