
Harlan D. 'Harley' Taft
July 20, 1942 - February 28, 2010
Obituary
Taft, Harlan D.
MADISON-Harlan D. "Harley" Taft, age 67, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010, at Hospice. He was born on July 20, 1942, in Oxford, the son of Harry and Mildred (James) Taft. Harley married Sylvia Hayes on Oct. 24, 1964, in Brooks. He enjoyed working in apartment management and as a security guard. Harley was a free spirit and enjoyed riding motorcycles. His family meant a lot to him and he especially cherished the time spent with them. Harley is survived by his wife, Sylvia; two children, Bryan and Michelle Taft; four grandchildren, Chad Taft, Jennifer Dahlk, Ashley Taft and Kristine (Gabriel) Juarez; five great-grandchildren, Kameron Taft, Demonte Griffin, Breyanna Norris, Isiah Norris and Frankie Cashindio; a sister, Carol Haley; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Edward and Donald Taft; and a niece, Sharon Kay Weiss. Memorial services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 4, 2010. Visitation will be at the funeral home from noon until the time of the service. Thanks to HospiceCare and Capitol Lakes Nursing Home for all of their care and support.
Visitation:
Visitation will be at the funeral home from noon until the time of the service.
Service:
Memorial services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 4, 2010.
Events
There are no events for Harlan yet.
Photos
No photos of Harlan have been shared yet.
Memories
AO
Allie and Bill Olsen
Other •
My Dear Brother-in-law Harlan,
We all will miss you so very much. Thanks for all the times you kept us laughing.
I will always be thankful to you for making me drive after my car accident. If not for you I am not sure if I would have ever driven again. You truly have been a great brother-in-law.
Rest in Peace
We love and miss you!!!
SS
Susan Schild
Other •
My prayers go out to the whole family. He will be dearly missed by all.
He could fill up a room with laughter. He was a kind
man, always caring for his family and his friends.
He is with God now watching over his love ones.
Love Susie
KO
Kari Olsen
Other •
Uncle Harlan as you begin your beautiful journey in heaven, I just want you to know that I will miss your laugh and your smile, even though I have not seen you in a few years your warm kindness has never left my heart. I know that you are in a better place and I can not wait to see what you have in store for us when we arrive to see you in heaven a bbq a motorcycle ride or maybe just a great conversation. We love you! See you soon!!
E
EDNA
Other •
SYLVIA, MY HEART AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU GOD BLESS EDNA MAE
SF
Sue Frisch
Other •
My deepest sympathy to all of you in
your loss.May the great memories you have,help you through this difficult time.
My thoughts,and prayers are with you.
Sorry I won't beable to attend as we are leaving on vacation.
Sue Frisch
20 S.P.(Radiology)
JM
Jim, Toni & Nathan Muetze
Other •
Harlan, you will be missed. For those who never got to know you very well, they have missed out on a true joy in their life.
Harlan was a simple man - do not think that this is being derogatory. You see, he was simple. He refused to make a big deal out of little things. Most worldly challenges to Harlan were small things. He would look for a way to push thru any challenge, job, finanacial, family issues, etc. He simply knew what was important in life, and had a strong ethic for family life. His wife, children and grandchildren were the most important part of his life. He enjoyed being around them & most importantly, always, always, knew that it was OK to take a nap. Harlan did not live a complicated life you see, he lived a simple life. His way of life was such: Surround yourself with a loving family and friends, give ALL you have to help others, unconditionally, never expecting anything in return, other than a heartfelt thank you.
Harlan was quick to smile and laugh. He was always willing to make anyone laugh, knowing inside that it was always the best medicine. He taught me that whatever the circumstance was, laughing might not cure it, but it would surely make it feel better.
In his passing, we will miss his earthly smile, humor, touch and voice. The one thing that his passing cannot take away from us is his love for us. That will continue for eternity. We should all look forward to the "Home-Going" that he received when he met our Jesus face to face. Imagine the stories he is telling now! I know that Harlan will be the first to meet anyone "going home" for eternity, just because it's who he is.
I can only imagine the beautiful flower gardens that he will be tending.
Simply put Harlan, rest well. you've earned it. While we are missing you here, we wish we were there with you.