Harlan Lee Unruh

Harlan Lee Unruh was born October 1, 1948 in Colby, KS to the late Lottie Peters Unruh and the late Harvey Unruh. After battling cancer for eight years, he peacefully slipped away in the early morning hours of March 20, 2024 at Maple View Retirement Community, Ithaca, Michigan, reaching the age of seventy-five years.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Monday evening, March 25, 2024 at Pinecrest Mennonite Church. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday morning, March 26, 2024 in the Pinecrest Mennonite Church with interment to follow in the church cemetery.

Harlan was the second to youngest in a family of two sisters and five brothers. When he was two years old, the Unruh family moved from Western Kansas to Gratiot County, Michigan. Three years later in 1954, they relocated to a farm in the Midville, Georgia area. There he received his formal education in the Midville School. He enjoyed these years, forming friendships and creating lasting memories.

In his teen years, Harlan gave his heart to God, and was baptized by Minister Maynard

Peters into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite at Stapleton, Georgia on February

12, 1967. He completed 1-W service in Kansas City and North Georgia. Following his service, he felt the need for a closer walk with God. He reconsecrated his life and embraced the Faith until the end. The Church was precious to him, with his concern and desire for his family to be faithful.

Harlan and Glenda Koehn were united in marriage at Macon, Mississippi on October 3, 1971 by Min. Don Seiler. They made their home on a dairy farm in the Louisville, Georgia area where they were blessed with three children. In the spring of 1985, they made a cross country move to Buhl, Idaho, where they were involved in agriculture and dairy farming until later opening a bakery. They enjoyed scenic Idaho and spent many Sunday afternoons sightseeing as a family.

In 1993, they made the move back to Georgia where Harlan worked with his brother, Ronald, in the steel building industry, then later taking ownership of the Wrens Mini Lube in Wrens, Georgia. He was a steady, hard worker and applied himself diligently to the task at hand.

Harlan had a tomato greenhouse for a few years in early retirement where he loved to experiment with various seeds and plants. The grandchildren enjoyed spending time with him there. Each grandchild was special to him and they loved helping their “Papa”. The family loved his quiet humor and those crinkles around his eyes that announced a witty comment soon to come.

Five short weeks ago, Harlan and Glenda moved to Maple View Retirement Community in Ithaca, Michigan. Together, they enjoyed their new home, renewing old acquaintances and making new friends.

Harlan left us with a precious assurance of salvation. His courage in the face of his adversities has been an inspiration to all and it is the family’s sincere desire and determination to meet him again.

Left to cherish his memory include his wife, Glenda; two sons: Wendell Unruh, and wife Betsy, of Vermontville, Michigan; and Vincent Unruh, and wife Cara, of Louisville, Georgia;  daughter: Clara Koehn, and husband Greg, of Liberty, Kentucky; ten grandchildren: Grant and wife Shannon, Abigail, Colby, Emily, Lindsey, Aaron, Tyson, Thomas, Analisa, and Raquel; brothers and sisters: Rosalie Loewen, and husband Ike; Thelma Gearig; Melvin Unruh, and wife Barbara; Kenneth Unruh, and wife Anne; and Ronald Unruh, and wife Frances; sister-in-law, Mabel Rooks Unruh Ensz; two brothers-in-law: Myron Koehn, and Arlin Koehn, and wife Ellen; sisters-in-law: Frances Koehn and Annora Friesen, and husband Melvin; and many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, one brother, four brothers-in-law, two sisters-in-law, and two nephews.

The family gives thanks to the Pinecrest Congregation for their love and prayers over the last few years and their many acts of kindness offered during this time of loss. The family also expresses deep gratitude to the staff at the Maple View Retirement Community for their tender care during his short stay.

Because the church and its missions were so dear to Harlan, the family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Pinecrest Home Missions, 3104 Duhart Church Rd, Stapleton, GA 30823.