Harlan Dancer

H arlan D ancer, age 91, of Sutherland, Nebraska, died at home surrounded by his family on September 3, 2021.

Harlan was born to Roy and Katharine Dancer on the family ranch in McPherson County, north of Sutherland, on August 7, 1930. He grew up on the ranch and attended country schools until 1946 when the ranch was sold and the Dancer family moved into town. Harlan graduated from Sutherland High School then farmed, which he did his whole life.

In 1947 Harlan married Elaine Merrill at Chappell. They were blessed with 74 years of marriage and raised three wonderful kids. Harlan and Elaine bought the Ray Merrill farm, north of Sutherland, in 1961 and have lived there ever since.

Harlan was a member of the Sutherland Methodist Church for 80 years. He liked farming, his cattle and horses and loved his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Katharine; brother, Robert; infant sister, Mary Ellen; and his baby daughter, Susan.

Harlan is survived by his wife, Elaine, of Sutherland; their children, Jack (Bonnie) Dancer, of Dade City, FL, Dan (Jan) Dancer, of Sutherland and Linda Long, of Palmetto, FL; grandchildren, Robyn (Kelly) Kendall, Lane Dancer, Matt (Vicki) Dancer, Jake Dancer, Jennifer Dancer and John (Traci) Cummings; sisters, Ruth Stephenson and Myrna Hallsted, of North Platte and Beth Newberry, of Grand Island; as well as 13 great-grandchildren, 24 great great-grandchildren and many other family members.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at the Sutherland Methodist Church with Pastor Mark Baldwin officiating. Burial will follow in the Riverview Cemetery. Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to the church or Sutherland Volunteer Fire Department.