Harlan Klinghagen

Harlan L. Klinghagen, 77 died peacefully Sunday, April 26, 2020 at his home in rural Parker.

Harlan Leo Klinghagen was born on June 9, 1942 on a farm in Turner County to George and Lucille Klinghagen.  Harlan is the older brother to his twin Harvey.  On October 14, 1961 he was united in marriage to Janet Bishop at the Beaver Creek Lutheran Church at Harrisburg, SD.  Harlan worked at the Greenlee Packing Plant for 13 years before he decided to head to Grapevine, TX at attend horse shoeing school.  After graduating he spent 33 years working as a farrier, travelling all over South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa shoeing horses as well as taking care of his family and horse farm.  After retiring from horse shoeing carrier he went to work at UPS at the airport part time for 15 years. In 1978 Harlan and Jan bought acreage outside of Parker, SD where he spent the remainder of his life.

Over a lifetime Harlan enjoyed all of his horses, riding and roping.  He also enjoyed spending time hunting, fishing, and spending time with his kids, grandkids and great grandkids.  In the last few years he always looked forward to his hunting trips with his son Rob where they ventured out to the Black Hills in search of both deer and turkey.

In his life he always had a love of horses.  He raised and showed both registered Appaloosa and Quarter horses.  Because of his commitment to horses he spent about 10 years as a director of the Center of Nation and also about 10 year as a judge for the National Appaloosa Association traveling all over the country.

Grateful for having share his life are his wife Janet; a son Robert Klinghagen, Humboldt, SD; 2 daughters, Jodi Hintz (Dan Zemler), Rock Rapids, IA and Jamie Klinghagen (Ron Stewart), Newcastle, NE; 6 grandchildren, Jeff Klinghagen, Nicholas McVay, Ashley Klinghagen, Mary Klinghagen, Jordan Klinghagen and Justin Van Otterloo; 2 great grandchildren, Brook and Braxton Ihnen; his twin brother Harvey (Sue) Klinghagen, Parker; and a sister Lila Best, Oseola, MN.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert and Merle, and a sister-in-law, Connie Weisgerber.