Memories & Candles

“Sally Ann, You know what a special man Harlan was. He was a part of our family and we will miss him greatly. We became very close to him in the...Read More »
1 of 17 | Posted by: Jennifer Young - Stevensville, MI

“Dear Sally and family, I was so sorry to hear of Harlan's passing. Rose and Otto often spoke so lovingly of your family. It sounded like Bob and...Read More »
2 of 17 | Posted by: Janelle (Cleveland) Martens - SD

“Sally and family I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father.Harlan worked with my dad Albert at Gast Mfg. Mom Lois died just last...Read More »
3 of 17 | Posted by: susan patzer-hicks - CA - friend

“Dear Sally, I'm so sorry about Harlan. I know it's been very difficult for you. Your such a strong person, but very soft hearted. I'm sending...Read More »
4 of 17 | Posted by: Sally A. Smith - Coloma, MI

“My sympathies to Sally Ann and family. I worked with Harlan for many years at Gast. I know he fought a courageous battle with his illness and had...Read More »
5 of 17 | Posted by: Randy & Dolly Pschigoda

“I can't believe it has been so long since we were all together at Niles Road Community Church. (Road to Life now) I remember Bro. Harlan with dark...Read More »
6 of 17 | Posted by: Alice Nelson - Niles, MI

“Sorry to here of Harlan's passing. I was an engineer at Gast & worked with Harlan . He was always willing to go the extra mile to help out with any...Read More »
7 of 17 | Posted by: Gerry Drews

“We where neighbors when I was a teen. You welcomed me to your home and made me part of your family... Your family changed my life, made me see...Read More »
8 of 17 | Posted by: Dianne McMinn (once Dianne Messer) - PA

“Sally Ann and Family - I have many fond memories of spending time with Harlan at various functions and events through The Chapel. He was a dear,...Read More »
9 of 17 | Posted by: Tom Laarman - Spring, TX

“Harlan was a dedicated member of the Institute of Management Accountants, having served as the Michiana Chapter President, various board positions...Read More »
10 of 17 | Posted by: Brenda Engel - Niles, MI

“I knew Harlan from his association with the IMA - Institute of Management Accountants (formerly National Associaton of Accountants). He was a very...Read More »
11 of 17 | Posted by: Judy Davenport - Jemison, AL

“Sally, I am so sorry to hear of Harlan's passing. I have so many fond memories growing up next to you both! My thoughts and prayers are with you...Read More »
12 of 17 | Posted by: Morgan Callahan (Rybarczyk) - MI

“I am so sorry to hear of Harlan's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. ”
13 of 17 | Posted by: Kelli Baucom - Las Vegas, NV

“Today we are with you all in prayers and in memory of Harlan. We mourn his loss and will be forever greatful to have known him. He was a mentor and...Read More »
14 of 17 | Posted by: John & Brenda Engel - Niles, MI

“My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you Sallyann and your family following the loss of your husband and father. I am thinking of you all. Kindest...Read More »
15 of 17 | Posted by: Frances Schofield - New Zealand

“Harlan was a Godly man and he loved coming back to SD to visit his parents. He always made time to visit us cousins while back in SD. He loved his...Read More »
16 of 17 | Posted by: Barbara Reilly - Iroquois, SD

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. May time allow hearts to heal and memories to grow sweeter. Even though we are many miles...Read More »
17 of 17 | Posted by: Tyson & Christina Garrett - FL


Harlan E. Mettler, 74, of Stevensville passed away quietly at his home on January 15, 2012.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012 at The Chapel, Evangelical Free Church, 4250 Washington, St. Joseph, Michigan. Pastor Phil Bubar will officiate. Burial will be held at a later date. The family requests donations be made to the Berrien County Cancer Service in lieu of flowers. Those wishing to leave a memory may do so on online at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Harlan was born December 30, 1937 to Otto and Rose (Winegarden) Mettler in Huron, South Dakota. He served in the United States Air Force during peace time. Upon discharge Harlan attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion where he met and married his wife Sally Ann Fickbohm in 1961. They had two children, Mark A. and Clinton D. Mettler, both born in California.

Harlan took great pride in his work as a cost accountant, being employed by Gast Manufacturing for over 20 years before retiring in 2009. He was well known for his service to the Lord through his church and his involvement with the National Association of Accountants.

Harlan is survived by his wife, Sally Ann; his son, Mark (wife, Ruth) of Springfield, Ga; and son, Clinton of St Joseph. He is also survived by his grandson, Madison of Rincon, Ga., and granddaughters, Kaitlyn of St. Joseph and Laura of Rincon, GA.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Merlyn Dean Mettler and his parents, Otto and Rose Mettler.