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Harlan Hillman was born on June 6, 1943, to Henry and Emma (Knickman) Hillman. He was the youngest of three brothers, Lloyd and Dale Hillman. Harlan passed away on September 12, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

Harlan and Kay first met in 1961, when she was working as a carhop in Nebraska City. Their love quickly grew, and in the fall of 1963 they were united in marriage. Together, they began building a beautiful life and raising their family in Syracuse.

Harlan grew up in Syracuse, Nebraska, and graduated from Syracuse High School in 1961. After high school, he kept busy with a variety of jobs and hobbies. He worked for Wright Tree Service, and at one point he even was a security guard at the Nebraska State Park. Though he tried his hand at many things, Harlan spent most of his life farming, which was both his work and his way of life.

When the chores were done, Harlan could usually be found spending time with family and friends—fishing, hunting, playing golf, or enjoying a few competitive games of Pitch or Rummy. He could also talk sports endlessly. But above all, Harlan was best known for his comedy. Whether standing on a stage in front of a crowd or sitting at the kitchen table during the holidays, he never failed to bring a smile to the faces of everyone around him. He had a gift for slipping a joke into any and every conversation, and it was nearly impossible to be in his presence without laughing. Even in his final days, Harlan was cracking jokes and playing cards with family.

Harlan's sense of humor, quick wit, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife Kay Hillman; children Anne (George) Hennager, Robin Welch & friend Rick Green, Richard Hillman, Scott (Jessica) Hillman; 16 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Maxine Hillman, Judy Bretthorst, Linda (Morgan) White; also numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Tyler Pfeiffer; brothers Dale Hillman, Lloyd (Ramona) Hillman; parents-in-law Ancil & Dorothy Burdick and brothers-in-law Roy Bretthorst and Anson Burdick.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 17 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church (North Branch) in rural Avoca. The service will be livestreamed on the First Lutheran Youtube page. Burial will follow at the First Lutheran cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 16 from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home in Syracuse.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Arrangements By: Fusselman Allen Harvey Funeral Home, Syracuse

Condolences to www.fusselmanallenharvey.com