Frank James "Jim" Harlan
January 29, 1948 - December 30, 2025
Obituary
WEYAUWEGA - Frank James “Jim” Harlan was born in Richland Center, Wis., on January 29, 1948, to Robert and Lorraine Harlan. He was the oldest of two boys and five girls. Jim grew up in Madison, where he first laid eyes on the love of his life, Lorraine, in the 3rd grade at Frank Allis Elementary School, and proclaimed to his mother that he would marry her. He was always true to his word.
Jim competed as a wrestler in high school and college and later coached a high school team in Madison. He took a great deal of pride in his education, studying at MATC, UW-La Crosse, UW-Stout, and eventually earning his Ph.D. in education administration at UW-Madison.
He worked as an accountant, a history teacher, a guidance counselor, a wrestling coach, and a high school principal. He then made a big career pivot in order to put his daughters through college, and spent 15 years as a successful securities trader. He returned to his passion, education, for the final leg of his working life, serving the Weyauwega-Fremont school district as superintendent.
Jim was an avid motorcyclist, getting his first bike at the age of 16. He traversed most of the United States on his BMW motorcycle, and later his Harley, often with Lorraine on the back.
He was a self-taught woodworking craftsman, designing and building countless beautiful custom pieces. In his later years, Jim was a devoted grandfather, attending his beloved grandkids’ plays, musicals, athletic competitions, and milestone celebrations.
Jim passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lorraine; three daughters, Pamela Jean, Heather Joy and Melissa Lorraine; 15 grand and great-grandchildren; and siblings, Robert Harlan, Susan Harlan, Kathy Alexander (Harlan), Helen Harlan and Nancy Beale (Harlan). He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Leslie Harlan and Lorraine Marie Harlan (Burke); and sister, Stephanie Miller (Harlan).
He will be dearly missed.
A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, with Deacon Jack Alexander presiding. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420