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Harlan Dale Slabaugh
1964 - 2022
Harlan Dale Slabaugh
1964 - 2022
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1964
DIED
2022
Harlan Slabaugh Obituary
Harlan Dale Slabaugh, age 58 of Nappanee, IN, died at 12:36 am on Sunday, August 14, 2022 in Kalamazoo County, MI as the result of an automobile accident. Mr. Slabaugh was born on February 8, 1964 in Bremen, IN to Harvey and Treva (Schmucker) Slabaugh. Harlan grew up in the Nappanee area and on June 29, 1985 he married Rita Gingerich in Sarasota, FL. Harlan and Rita made their home in Sarasota from 1985-1999 before moving back to the Nappanee area. Harlan attended the Nappanee Missionary Church and had most recently worked for Sutter’s Quality Foods out of Sarasota. Harlan enjoyed farming, traveling, and boating throughout his life. Above all else, Harlan enjoyed spending time with his family and loved his grandchildren deeply. Surviving are his wife of 37 years, Rita Slabaugh of Nappanee; 4 children: Jessica (Tony) Berkshire of Goshen, IN, Joshua (Alyssa) Slabaugh of Grand Rapids, MI, Tiffany (Dion) Graber of Bremen, and Chadwick (Elisabeth) Slabaugh of Sarasota; 7 grandchildren: Josie, Sophie, Morgan, and Derek Berkshire, Clark Graber, and Holden and Crew Slabaugh; and 5 siblings: Robert (Irene) Slabaugh of Lott, TX, Laura Jean (Jake) Helmuth of Sarasota, Sharon (Eldon) Christner of Elkhart, IN, Lloyd Slabaugh of Goshen, and Joan (Herb) Lehman of Nappanee. Harlan was preceded in death by his parents; an Angel son, Jordan Kyle Slabaugh; and a granddaughter, Lindsey Berkshire. Friends and family may call from 12-3 pm and 5-7 pm Thursday, August 18, 2022 at the Nappanee Missionary Church Chapel and for one hour prior to an 11 am funeral service on Friday, August 19, 2022 at the Nappanee Missionary Church Worship Center. Pastors Jason Gingerich and Tim Yoder will officiate and burial will take place at Bethel Mennonite Church Cemetery, Nappanee.
40 Entries
Annie Vohs
January 19, 2024
Such sad news and such a good man. He sold me my horse trailer and was always fair and informative. I could always trust him with finding what I needed. His character was what meant the most in all our business transactions. I huge loss. I wish grace and peace to his family. So very sorry. He’ll be greatly missed
Miriam DeYoung
August 10, 2023
Dear Rita,
Remembering you and your family in my prayers People say that the first year is the hardest but I'm not going to sugarcoat anything,I know it's only been 18 months since my Bob passed away but there's times that the tears just flow for seemingly no reason, I guess maybe a memory or something in my subconscious mind. May God continue to give you strength for each day,hour, minute, and second, may you be able to put one foot in front of the other ❤
Emily Wingard
September 17, 2022
I look at your picture and I tell myself that surely this isn't real that you're gone! You took such an interest in my life and so many others. The loss we feel is so intense. So many times I want to pick up the phone and call you because that's what we'd do. I don't wish you back to this crazy world, but wow, I sure do miss my dear uncle who had a caring and listening heart and always made me laugh!!
Marek & Sarah (Overholt) Alimowski family
August 20, 2022
We extend our deepest sympathies to you, Rita, and your dear family. (Especially to Jessica and Joshua who were my former students.) May the Lord fill your hearts with His powerful grace, and peace. Though we were unable to attend the memorial celebration, our hearts were with you as we watched the service online, and it was a beautiful tribute to a life well lived. The song that Harlan wrote was especially touching. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Much love and hugs!
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Linda Overholt
August 19, 2022
My heart & prayers go our to family & friends. Rest in Peace
Courtney Lalonde
August 19, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. -Courtney Lalonde
Arlyn Helmuth
August 19, 2022
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Bernie Slabaugh
August 19, 2022
Rest in peace Uncle. I've got a lot of good memories of you!!
Galen Yoder
August 18, 2022
Many good memories of Sunny Side church! Harlen and Rita were youth Leaders with Lewis and and Karen and Tim and Ruth! So many good times around the camp fire chats ! What fond memories! My Heart goes out to you Rita! May God be near and dear to you and the family!
Chris / Lost Spur Trailers Rasmussen
August 18, 2022
What an awesome guy!!! They don't come any better!!!
Lost Spur Trailers
Chris Rasmussen
David Howell
August 18, 2022
his area and his neighbors. May the lord be with him and all of you for your loss.
Richard LaRaviere
August 18, 2022
I was so sadden to hear of Harlans passing. Knew him for many years. He will be missed. To his beloved family left to cherish his memory, I pray that the peace and love of God would fill this void.
Rusty Davis
August 18, 2022
So very sorry to hear this
Prayers for the family
Tammy Berry
August 18, 2022
Josh and family, I am so sad to hear of Harlans passing. I was shocked beyond words when I opened Facebook and his obituary popped up. My condolences to you all. He will be missed.
David Gillet
August 18, 2022
Harlen deeply saddened for your family that has to go through this. You are truly a great family man who always inspired others To be better and always good for a laugh or two. I know you’re in heaven and will be looking over your family.
Kevin Scott
August 18, 2022
My condolences to your whole family! I had the privilege to work with around Harlan since 2009. He was a great guy, and will be missed by many!
Amy Watkins
August 18, 2022
Harlan always had a kind word and a smile, anytime you saw him. My condolences to his family
Shelley Clarke
August 18, 2022
My family and have known Harlan for 15 years. He was my sales Rep with Merhow and my friend for many years after. My heart breaks for Rita and the rest of the family. He had such a good heart and worked so hard for his family. He placed his family above all else and will be missed by all who knew him.
He is in Heaven now watching down on the rest of us enjoying the company of Jesus.
See you again my friend.
Jamie Jarrell
August 18, 2022
So sad to hear this news! We bought our horse trailer off of him a few years ago. We would always run into him at varies horse events! Such a Wonderful man. Prayers to the whole family!! Jamie Jarrell/Bill Haygood
Mark Kusilek
August 18, 2022
My condolences to your entire family such a sad tragedy! Harlan was a great guy and will be missed by many
Jimmy Adragna
August 18, 2022
Rest In Peace, Harlan. Thank you for teaching a little something to a wet behind the ears trailer salesman.
Marcus Miller
August 18, 2022
Rita and family, may Gods peace and grace surround you. I only knew Harlem for a few months but I encountered a man that had such a nice warm spirit about him. Praying for y'all!
Nathan & Janet Overholt Family
August 17, 2022
Harlan, rest in peace dear friend. I enjoyed youth meetings, camping trips, and working for you. May God watch over you Rita, and the family. So long 'till we meet again, "Just Over Yonder!"
Michael &Tanya Koets
August 17, 2022
Sending our deepest sympathy's to Rita and the entire family. Harlan has touched so many people over the years, and always a friendly face. He will be missed! May God bless you in this time of sorrow.
Jim and Diana Hoover
August 17, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.We will be praying for Gods grace and love to up hold you snd all family
Kristin Kostrzewski
August 16, 2022
Dear Rita and family, I worked with Harlan several years ago and always thought the world of him. Such a hard working man, kind to others and loved his family dearly. I’m just so very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers of comfort. Kristin
Deborah Naqvi
August 16, 2022
Dear Rita, & family, my heart goes out to you as you experience this very painful transition in your life. It is difficult for the mind & heart to comprehend. May the peace that passes all understanding comfort you.
Harlan is my 2nd cousin & we would visit Uncle Harve & Aunt Treva often when I was a child. Some of my fondest memories of those days are playing on the teeter totter, where Harlan would magically turn it into a spinning carousel.
A fun time was always had when Harlan was around. I will cherish these memories. He will be missed. Love & prayers to the family, Debbie Naqvi
David Greene
August 16, 2022
May God be with you as Harlan starts a new chapter in the arms of a loving God
August 16, 2022
Rita and children. We are so sorry to hear about Harlan’s so suddenly. Being called home. You have our prayers and sympathy as you guys process life with out husband father. Grandfather. My God give you grace and strength to carry on. A memory I have of Harlan. I worked with him on a construction crew before he was married. We had a log of good memories. May God keep you and protect you as you keep living for him.
Mark & cathy Hostetler
Tim and Jennifer Stevens
August 16, 2022
Rita and entire Family. We are so sorry to hear of Harlan´´s sudden home going. Praying for the entire family as you comfort each other knowing that your Heavenly Father is with you and helping and guiding each step of the way.
Alex Longares
August 15, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Fred and Judi Overholt
August 15, 2022
When we received word that this tragic accident happened and it took the life of one of our best friends of 35 plus years it seemed like it couldn't possibly be true! Harlan had a heart of gold! If he knew of a need, if it was anyway possible, he was there! He and Rita spent time with us during some of the hardest times of our lives, giving their love, time and money to try to ease our pain! We spent so many times together making memories that would last a lifetime! It is so heartbreaking to think now all we have is memories! Harlan left huge footprints on our hearts and it will never be the same! Everyone needs friends like Harlan and Rita! So for now buddy, its see ya later! We thank God for allowing you to be in our lives! We are gonna miss you sooo bad...
We love you...Fred & Judi Overholt
Miriam DeYoung
August 15, 2022
Dear Rita and family,Words at a time like this seem so inadequate. We wonder 'WHY' but it's okay to ask why,we just don't always get an answer right away. You all are in my thoughts and prayers, life will be hard and some days you won't feel like doing anything. But always remember, God's grace is more than sufficient for each one,every day.
Karen Peachey
August 15, 2022
Rita my thoughts and prayers are with you, hard to believe but Gods strength will see you through. Fix your eyes on Jesus he understand each step we take. Would love to be there.
Christa Einheit
August 15, 2022
To Rita and the entire family, may God comfort you and provide strength during this difficult time. Harlan will be greatly missed but there is peace knowing he is with our Heavenly Father. You are in my prayers and the memories are a treasure that I feel a blessing to have.
Greg and Tammie Strickland
August 15, 2022
We met Harlan through our ice cream shop and enjoyed meeting him. Our prayers will be with your family.
With Love,
Tammie & Greg Strickland
Harlan and Ruby Miller
August 15, 2022
You're in our thoughts and prayers
David Sommers
August 15, 2022
Rita and family, I want to be there. You were dear friends and Harlan will be missed. God give you grace and strength in the days ahead. Praying for you ❤
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950 North Main Street, Nappanee, IN 46550
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