Harlan David Buchanan

MADISON / RICHLAND CENTER - Harlan David Buchanan, age 81, of Madison, died on May 31, 2026, following a courageous battle with COPD and ultimately cancer.

Born on April 23, 1945, in Richland Center, Wis., he was the son of David Theron Buchanan and Charlotte Helen (Watt) Buchanan Richardson. Harlan’s early years were spent on a farm in Sauk County until the family moved to Mazomanie during his fifth-grade year. He received his early education in true Wisconsin fashion, attending one-room schoolhouses-Loreto School and Old Halfway Prairie School-from first through eighth grade, before graduating from Mazomanie High School in 1963.

Answering the call to serve his country, Harlan enlisted in the United States Air Force following graduation, serving from 1963 to 1967. He was an aircraft electrician specializing in B-52 and KC-135 aircraft during the Vietnam conflict. His service took him to K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in the Upper Peninsula, where he served in the Strategic Air Command (SAC) and later to Okinawa, Japan.

Upon returning to civilian life, Harlan was a lifelong learner. He attended UW-Madison and UW-La Crosse, earned an Associate Degree in Electronics from Madison Area Technical College, and graduated Cum Laude from Herzing College with a Bachelor of Science in Electronics/Computers.

Harlan was a dedicated professional with a strong work ethic. Throughout his career, he was employed at Wisconsin Telephone Company, Gisholt Machine Company, and Gordon Flesch Company. Most notably, he dedicated decades of loyal service to two major companies, spending 26 years at Rayovac Corporation and another 26 years at Electronic Theatre Controls (ETC).

He met the love of his life, Bonita “Bonnie” Louise Tilleman, through mutual friends. The couple was married on August 16, 1969, in Green Bay. They shared nearly 57 years of marriage.

Harlan is survived by his wife, Bonnie Buchanan; his children, Dale Alan (Jennifer) Buchanan, Lynn Angela Buchanan and Scott Andrew Buchanan; and his six grandchildren, Logan, Hunter, Ethan, Conner, Callie and Mason. He was also the proud great-grandfather to Micah Harlan, with two more great-grandchildren expected to join the family in July and September. He is also survived by son-in-law, Matthew Poster; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. Harlan was preceded in death by his daughter, Jill; parents, David and Charlotte; brother, Ray Sr. and sister-in-law, Charleen.

Harlan spent much of his early years of fatherhood supporting the many activities his children participated in. He was also willing and able to travel to many parts of the world, both for work and also for vacation time with family. Harlan traveled to five continents, dozens of countries and many parts of the US. He developed a great interest in genealogy, recorded historical information and traced direct family names back to the 8th century.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Harlan’s memory to Agrace HospiceCare and Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420