Harlan Nickle, 80, Minot, died Monday, February 27, 2017, in a Minot hospital.

Harlan was born October 3, 1936 at home on the farm in Bottineau County, four miles north of Kramer, ND to Chester and Lillian (Kuhn) Nickle. He completed his formal education in Deering, ND and assisted his family with the operation of the farm through his childhood years.

As a young adult, Harlan was trained to be a depot agent in Utah. Following many 'bumps' in working locations, he returned to North Dakota finding his path in life. Harlan was joined in marriage to Clarice Naumann on June 7, 1959, at Zion Lutheran Church in Kramer, ND.

They made their home in Minot and were blessed as parents of four children. Harlan began his 31 year career in construction with Minot Sand and Gravel in 1961. He moved to Minot Gravel Products in 1973 working until his health forced him to leave the workforce in 1992. Harlan loved his job. He was an integral part of the construction of many roadways and projects throughout the region during his time on the job.

Harlan was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church. He enjoyed the outdoors spending many early mornings in the field hunting or on the lake fishing with his family and friends. Gardening was a passion for Harlan, who always shared the fruits of his labor. He enjoyed the sunshine from his front porch view of the world, often solving many problems from that spot with his many friends during their visits. Harlan was a gentle man who always had time for the neighborhood kids after work. He was the designated pitcher for both teams in the neighborhood always making sure everyone got a turn and got a 'fair' chance. He will be deeply missed by all who shared in his blessed life.

Harlan is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Clarice, Minot; children, Lori (Darin) Heizelman, rural Sawyer, ND, Lloyd Nickle, Rochester, MN and Lisa (Kevin) Varberg, Minot; grandchildren, Lindsay Hovey, Dustin Heizelman, Abigail McNeiley, Heather Nickle and Brianna Varberg; great-grandchildren, Bentley Hovey, Paisley Hovey, Aiden Nickle and Dalton Heizelman; sisters, Sharon Raveling, Minot and Betty (Gene) Tester, Lansing, MI; brother, Rodney (Janet) Nickle, Deering, ND along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Harlan was preceded in death by his parents, son, Larry, brothers, David and Malvey Nickle and sister, Irdyne Weismiller.

Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 4, 2017, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot, ND
Visitation: Friday, March 3, 2017, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.