R. HARLAN CATES was born to Vernon and Christene (McKenzie) Cates July 30, 1927 in Lyons, Nebraska.  He passed away March 9, 2008 at the Logan Valley Manor in Lyons, Nebraska, at the age of 80 years.

Harlan grew up on the Cates farm east of Lyons and worked the land with his Dad into his early twenties. He graduated from Lyons High School in 1944.  On January 1, 1948 Harlan married his high school sweetheart Mardelle Nelson and they farmed west of Lyons until 1957 when they moved to town.  From 1957-1974 Harlan sold insurance.  He quickly developed a passion for sales work because of his love for people.  In 1974 Harlan became owner of Swine Service Specialists and worked there full time until 1991 when he suffered a stroke.  Through much hard work and devotion he continued his involvement in the business as a consultant until 2004 when he retired.

Harlan was very involved as a volunteer in the Lyons community. His contributions were many and they included:  Elder and Deacon for First Presbyterian Church, Lyons Industrial Development, Lyons Baseball Program, Logan Valley Manor and Lyons School Bond Issues.  He was presented with The Good Neighbor Award for his many achievements.

Survivors include his wife, Mardelle of Lyons; daughter, Sandi and her husband Doug Anderson of Omaha; son, Randy and his wife Pam also of Omaha; four granddaughters, Kristin (wife of Chuck Lewis), Jennifer (wife of Duane Bartelt), Stephanie Cates, and Sarah Cates; three great grandsons, Ryan, Spencer and Grant Lewis; two honorary grandchildren, Justin and Lezlie Pavich; sister, Joyce Richardson of Lyons: sister-in-law, Darlene and her husband Don Wiese of Lincoln; many nephews, nieces, and cousins; and many, many friends.   

FUNERAL SERVICE: Wednesday, March 12, 2008, 10:30 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, Lyons.

VISITATION: Tuesday 1 – 8 p.m., family receiving friends 5 – 8 p.m., 7 p.m. Prayer Service all at the funeral home. Visitation will also be held Wednesday at the church one hour prior to the service.

BURIAL: Lyons Cemetery

MEMORIALS: First Presbyterian Church, Lyons; Lyons Community Foundation; Wishing Well Fund % Logan Valley Manor, Lyons.

Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

pelan@pelanfuneralservices.com