Harlee Weiland

Harlee Jean Weiland, born February 2, 1935, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, entered into eternal rest with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 15, 2024. She was 89 years old.

Harlee was the loving daughter of the late William Charles Feltenberger and Berenece Marguerite Feltenberger and loving sister of Peter, David and the late Geri Sue. Harlee's early years were spent in Minneapolis, Minnesota and in Kansas City, Missouri until her parents moved to San Fernando Valley, California where she met and married the late Harry Anton Weiland in 1953, They were married for nearly 63 years. Harry and Harlee met on a blind date at a high school dance. He proposed less than a year later. They moved to Santa Clara Valley to raise their family in the mid 50's. They lived in Santa Clara Valley until 1998 when they moved to Columbia, CA followed by a move to Sonora, CA.

Harlee's focus was on caring for her family and everyone around her. Her greatest gift was bringing joy to others. She was spicy, funny, generous and loving. She enjoyed socializing and going on adventures with her kids and her friends. She loved spending time with her family, singing, dancing, playing games, an occasional visit to the slot machines and going to the movie theater. She visited and read to the elderly in her younger years. She continued this same work later in life, brightening the days of her caregivers and those who lived with her in the same elderly home she resided in during the last two years of her life. She had a heart big enough to fit everyone she met into it with room to spare. With a patient listening ear she was never short on grace and forgiveness to those who needed it most. When asked what her happiest memories were she said the day she was married and the birth of each of her children.

Harlee led a life of humility, rarely bringing attention to her work or accomplishments of which she had many. She had several professions throughout her life. During the 50's, 60's and early 70's Harlee worked as an administrator at Lockheed Martin, in a real estate office, and at Kaiser Hospital in Santa Clara. After a long days work, she would come home cook a meal and entertain the family with stories of her day, her childhood or other funny stories as her children sat riveted to their seats at the dinner table listening to her. Her stories live on today.

Harlee and her husband, Harry, started a small fastener business, named Weil-Jan, in 1969 with a partner that grew into a large scale manufacturing company and custom fabrication facility producing industrial sized fasteners. The company started as a family business with their kids, extended family and oldest grandson, Alex, working there through out the years. Harlee was instrumental in employing many neighborhood kids, friends and extended family making sure everyone had a job who needed one. Ultimately, the partnership split and the company was renamed Lord & Sons. It still operates today with a handful of original employees.

Harlee earned her AA in Child Care Development from San Jose City College and opened a licensed Day Care business out of her home after her children had grown. She also trained and became a licensed massage therapist, which her family immensely benefited from. Many a shoulder and back massage were enjoyed during visits with her. Harlee was the consummate sales lady selling products made by: Weekenders clothing (now owned by Jockey), Discovery Toys, Shaklee vitamin supplements and make up. She also taught classes on make up application and seasonal color analysis improving all our style!

Harlee and Harry moved to Columbia, CA in 1998 where she worked part time helping to manage her brother, Peter's, hair salon in Sonora running the front desk scheduling appointments and ordering products for his shop. Harlee had an affinity for babies and children. She volunteered at the Sonora Pregnancy Center helping young mothers who were in need of emotional, financial, and medical support to bring their babies to full term. She also volunteered and was a member of the Sonora Women's Republican Club.

More than anything in her life, Harlee loved Jesus. She worked tirelessly through out her life in many capacities to spread His word and further the Kingdom of God, all while raising five children and working. Be it by her volunteer work, ministering to others or through her own example living as a Christian, she put others before herself. She prayed diligently for her family to bring them all to the Lord with her. She ministered to many and opened her home to those in need.

Harlee leaves behind her five children Douglas (wife Debbie), Dale (wife Pat), Dustin (wife Kathy), Donald (wife Cherie), and Kerri (husband James Dunlay); ten grandchildren, Alex, Brian, Abigail, Joe, Kristen, Jeff, Aja, Shea, Josh and Sarah; eighteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; her brothers Peter Feltenberger and David Feltenberger (wife Heidi); two nephews and three nieces.

Her grandchildren have fond memories of her warm hugs and a cookie jar that never seemed to be empty when they came to visit her. Those who knew Harlee will remember her for her infectious smile, wonderful sense of humor and overwhelming laughter, her deep-rooted faith in Jesus, and her unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone she encountered. She had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed her path.

Funeral Services honoring the life of Harlee Jean Weiland will be held on January 17th, beginning with the Rosary at 10:30 AM followed by Mass at 11:00 AM at St. James Catholic Church, 2831 Harkness Rd., Georgetown, CA 95634. Reception in the church hall to follow.

A private burial with the immediate family will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to: Foothill Pregnancy Center, Sonora, CA: https://www.fpcsonora.com. The funds raised will go toward touching hearts continuing Harlee's mission to support mothers and saving unborn babies for God's greater glory.

Although Harlee's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May her memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth her legacy of love and compassion in all that we do.

As you continue to worship Jesus, up in Heaven dear Mom, your light and love will forever shine brightly in our hearts. Thank you for giving us life and for all the blessings your life has bestowed upon us. We are honored and humbled to call you our Mother. You were one in a million!

With love and gratitude... until we meet again.

Doug, Dale, Dustin, Donald & Kerri