Harlan Nation Smith

Harlan Nation Smith, 80, of Hudson, IA died Monday, August 18, 2025 at Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly after battling COPD for many years.

Harlan was born October 8, 1944 at Sartori Hospital in Cedar Falls, Iowa to the late Elliott Edward and Ercell Marie (Nation) Smith. He grew up on the family farm on Hollis Road in Hudson and graduated from Hudson High School where he had once been the FFA president and showed Milking Shorthorn and Jersey cattle. He also played football at a time when the team was so small he had to alternate playing offense and defense. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, 4 years active duty and 22 years Naval Reserve. Upon returning from active service, Harlan had a chance encounter with Mary Wulf at a service station where he worked. He had known her from childhood and the couple began dating. They were united in marriage 6 months later on February 14, 1970 at Zion Lutheran Church in Hudson. Harlan worked at the John Deere Foundry, Westfield Site, and Engine Works over his 30 year career, primarily as an electrician. He retired in 1997. To fill his time after retirement, he was a flower delivery man and enjoyed how everyone was always happy to see him when he'd bring them flowers.

Throughout his adult life, he and the family enjoyed raising and showing Montadale Sheep, fancy pigeons, rabbits, and exotic birds, while also owning a few geese, ducks, chickens, miniature ponies, llamas, goats, cats, and dogs; notably his favorite loyal dog Red Bud, and Great Pyrenees dogs Angel, Sonny, and Sophie. In retirement he and Mary enjoyed bus trips to the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Mt. Rushmore, New York, and Washington, D.C.

Harlan is survived by his beloved and dedicated wife of 55 years, Mary; children, Rebecca M. (Ryan) Uhlenhopp of Waterloo and Nathan M. (Betsy) Smith of Albert Lea, MN; 5 grandchildren, Eric Uhlenhopp, Nora Smith, Everett Uhlenhopp, Brogan Smith, and Emmett Uhlenhopp; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Leonard and Linda Wulf, Susan Smith, and Monica Wulf; many nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his infant sons, Aaron Harlan Smith and Adam Jacob Smith; siblings, Beverly Hesse, Edward Smith, Charles Smith; brothers-in-law, Siegfried Hesse, James C. Wulf and Allan Wulf; sisters-in-law, Dolores Wulf and Marlys Smith; and niece Delores Dean.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 PM on Friday, August 22 at the funeral home; resuming at 9:30 AM on Saturday until the time of service.

Memorials may be directed to the family.