Harlan Speer, 82, passed away, Saturday, May 16, 2026 in Colorado.

Harlan Speer was born January 2, 1944 in Aurora, Nebraska to Hansel and Betty (Kelso) Speer. At the age of 18 months, he was adopted into the home of his aunt and uncle Eloise and Ruben Anderson. He attended Aurora elementary school and then attended Phillips public school where he graduated with the class of 1962. Harlan attended Kearney State College from 1964 to 1967.

In 1967 he enlisted in the US Air Force and was stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas in 1967. He was united in marriage with the love of his life Carole Johnston of Grand Island, Nebraska.  Harlan and Carole returned to Little Rock Air Force Base when he completed his military service in 1971 during his time in Little Rock a son Brian was born in 1969. After Harlan's honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1971 the family returned to Grand Island, Nebraska. Where he returned to Kearney State College.  In 1973 a daughter Tiffany joined the family.  In 1972 he became employed with GRAND ISLAND FINANCE company where he continued to work until 2001.

Harlan served on the Capitol Heights softball and baseball league as a board member and coach for nearly 15 years. He was a member of Grand Island optimist club and served as president for several years.

In 1980 Harlan and Carole bought a cabin at Johnson Lake near Lexington, Nebraska. Many trips were made on weekends for the next 25 years. Friends and family were always welcome and it usually was a busy weekend venture. Many hours were spent on the water fishing with friends or family. Many kids learned to water ski behind his boat over the years. He enjoyed numerous fishing trips to Lake Michigan with a good friend Bill McCracken, salmon fishing.

In 2003 they moved to Severance Colorado. Harlan enjoyed many elk hunting seasons with his hunting buddies. He enjoyed the mountain scenery and looking for the wildlife.

He is survived by his daughter, Tiffany Speer of Grand Island; grandchildren, Colby Speer of Grand Island, Anaka Speer, Bailey Bartunek, Hudson Speer and daughter-in-law, Allison Holt-Speer all of Omaha, Nebraska.

He was proceeded in death by his wife, Carole; son, Brian; twin brother, Garlan and wife, Joanne. In-laws, Bill and Vera Johnston, adoptive parents Eloise and Ruben Anderson.

Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Calvary Lutheran Church 1304 N Custer Ave in Grand Island, Nebraska with a visitation beginning one hour prior to service. Inurnment will follow at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery 3826 W Stolley Park Rd. in Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Family. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be directed to www.livson.com. Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.