Harlan James Van Egdom

HAWARDEN, IOWA ~ Harlan James Van Egdom, 79, of Hawarden, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the Hawarden Regional Healthcare Center.

Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Hawarden Community Center with Pastor Carolyn Salberg officiating. Burial with military rites will follow at the Grace Hill Cemetery in Hawarden. Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday at the Friendship Assembly of God Church in Hawarden. The Porter Funeral Home in Hawarden is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to www.porterfuneralhomes.com. The funeral service will be recorded and uploaded to Harlan’s obituary page.

Harlan’s family wants people to wear Iowa Hawkeyes, Minnesota Vikings, or military attire to the visitation.

Harlan James Van Egdom was born November 11, 1946, in Canton, South Dakota, the son of John and Jennie Henrietta (Franken) Van Egdom. Harlan went through the 8th grade in school later receiving his GED. He married Linda Nichols on March 11, 1966. On April 1st of that year Harlan entered the United State Air Force. He received the rank of Staff Sergeant and received an Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service and was discharged on January 9, 1970.

Harlan and Linda made their home in Hawarden and Harlan graduated from SECO College in 1974 with an Electronics Degree. He ran the TV Shop in downtown Hawarden and received special recognition from the Hawarden Chamber of Commerce for being in business for 38 years.

Harlan and Linda were very active members of the Community Reformed Church in Hawarden, where he was a RCYF sponsor, an Elder, and taught Sunday School. Following the church’s closing, they changed their membership to the Hawarden Baptist Church. Harlan was also very active with the Hawarden American Legion Two Oaks Post 254 serving as the president, chaplain, and treasurer and would be in attendance for military rites for deceased veterans. His memberships also included NRA, VFW, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles.

Harlan loved his wife more than life itself. He put her needs first every day, being her caregiver after her accident and dementia diagnosis. He loved being a father and grandfather to all of his girls and thought the addition of the great-grandson was so special. He was a devoted and passionate fan for many years of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Minnesota Vikings (despite their records some years). He had a passion for collecting Oliver tractors (like his dad’s) and enjoyed watching many farm shows. He loved the Beach Boys and attended numerous (too many to count) concerts over the years. He enjoyed his time at the Pizza Ranch with his buddies on Monday and Friday. And he could be seen around town in his TV Shop truck and wearing one of his many hats. Harlan always had time for a smile and friendly chat and was well known and loved in the community. He will be dearly missed.

Harlan is survived by his wife, Linda; three daughters, Melissa Tilgner and husband Monte of Orange City, Iowa, Michelle Van Egdom of Iowa City, Iowa and Melanie Van Egdom of Hawarden; three grandchildren, Kelsey Van De Berg and her husband Weston of Orange City the daughter of Missy and Monte, Morgan Rivera and her husband Luis of Orange City the daughter of Missy and Monte, and Josalyn Van Egdom-Briggs of Hawarden, the daughter of Melanie and Dana Briggs; a great-grandchild, Luca Rivera the son of Luis and Morgan Rivera; also Kalli Peterson, a niece who lived with Harlan and Linda at times over the years and was like another daughter; his siblings, Roger Van Egdom of Fairmont, Minnesota, Beverly Brenner of Hawarden, Ron Van Egdom and wife Deb of Inwood, Iowa and RaNae Bultman of Rock Valley, Iowa; sister-in-law, Mary Van Egdom of Rock Valley; and in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Harlan was preceded in death by his parents, John and Jennie; brother, Leon Van Egdom; sister-in-law, Janet Van Egdom; brothers-in-law, Leonard Brenner and Pat Nichols; and Linda’s parents, Iver and Elvina Nichols.