Harlan Lawrence Lentz

Harlan Lawrence Lentz, age 93, of Good Thunder, died Thursday, Saturday, September 6, 2026.

A funeral service will occur at St. John Lutheran Church in Good Thunder on Friday, September 11, 2026 at 11am, with a visitation beginning at 9am. A burial at Barnard Valley View Cemetery immediately following. A lunch will also be served.

Harlan was born on April 29, 1933 in Rapidan Township, MN to Gordon & Violet (Blume) Lentz. He was baptized into faith and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church, Good Thunder where he became a lifelong member.

He attended school to the 10th grade. On May 31, 1951 Harlan enlisted into the U.S. Air Force and served in the Korean Conflict as an Aircraft Engine Mechanic, B-29 Specialist. He was honorably discharged May 30, 1955.

Harlan was united in marriage to Marilyn Joan (Hohenstein) Lentz on November 10, 1957 at the Little Brown Church, Iowa. They resided in Good Thunder where together they raised 2 children.

Harlan worked at Beeches Service Station, N. Mankato, Miller Motors, Mankato, sold Watkins Products, Edwards Trucking Mankato, Anderson Trucking, Good Thunder for 12 years, as owner/operator for 6 years, Rapidan Grain from 1984 until his illness 42 years.

Harlan had a strong work ethic and took pride in that he was able to work up until his illness. He was known to many in the trucking circle by his CB handle “Mr. Terrific.”

Harlan was an active member of the Good Thunder American Legion Post 616. He was also recognized by the American Truck Historical Society with a Golden Achievement Award for over fifty years of Dedicated Service to the Trucking Industry.

Harlan enjoyed fishing, hunting, pull tabs, scratching lottery tickets, listening to old time music, trucking and socializing with fellow truckers and friends. Harlan always had a story to tell.

He was always willing to help a friend or family member. He loved his family and all the gatherings for birthdays and holidays.

He was honored and felt blessed by the outpouring of love and friendship at his Living Celebration of Life and felt privileged to have touched so many. He will be missed!

Harlan is survived by his special friend & partner Sharon Speck-Edwards; children Richard “Rick” Lentz of Waseca, Deb Schreiber of N. Mankato; grandchildren, Andrew Schreiber of Portland, OR, Sara (Josh) Breitbarth of Lake Crystal, Jason (Cory) Case-Lentz of Wells and Donell Reich of Mankato; great grandchildren, Taylor, Sienna, & Christian Breitbarth and Hailey Schreiber; sister, Vivian (Gene) Ziegler of Rapidan; sister-in-law Evelyn (Lester) Lentz of LeRoy; Sharon Kay (Wilton) Lentz of Rochester, Mary Kay (Stanley) Hohenstein of Vernon Center, Donna (Travis) Ripple of Point Rock, TX; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn Lentz; parents, Gordon & Violet Lentz; brothers, Lester, Lawrence and Wilton Lentz; sister-in-law Catherine Lentz; brothers-in-law Stanley and Dean Hohenstein; father and mother-in-law Richard and Verna Hohenstein.

A special thank you to the Laborde Family for their generosity and St. Croix Hospice for the care they provided to Harlan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Legion Post 616, St. John Lutheran Church, St. Croix Hospice or donors choice.