Harlan D. Lash, passed away on February 13, 2026, at the age of 87 in Burlington, Wisconsin. He was born on August 3, 1938, in Burns, Wisconsin.
After graduating from Bangor High School, he went on to lead a hardworking work life. His career spanned several companies, including American Motors, Chrysler Motors, and Modern Building Materials. He also owned a trucking business. In retirement the Lash’s returned to Sparta, Wisconsin before recently moving to Burlington in 2025 to be closer to family.
He married his wife, Barbara (nee Havens), on May 9, 1959, at Christ Lutheran Church in West Salem, Wisconsin. They moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin to start a family together and had three children, Bruce (Sue) Lash, Wendy (Tom) Kavalauskas, and Brian (Kim) Lash. Proud grandpa to Becki Lash, Brittany (Noah) Trimmer, Dan Lash, Andy Kavalauskas, Jacob (Kelly) Lash, Abby (Joseph) Loescher, and Caleb (Alicia) Lash and 8 great-grandchildren. Preceding Harlan in death are his parents; Roy and Rachel (nee Wadel) Lash, siblings Winifred Huber, Audrey Baumbach, Elberta Hemker, Vilas Lash and an infant brother.
Beyond his family and work, Harlan had a variety of interests that he enjoyed, such as mechanical work on his cars and trucks, hunting and yard work. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Sparta, Wisconsin and St. John’s Lutheran Church of Slades Corners, Wisconsin.
The family wishes to thank Pastor Olson, Pastor Faught and the Arbor View and Heartland Hospice staffs for their gentle and loving care.
The family encourages memorials in lieu of flowers to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Slades Corners in Harlan’s name.
A private family service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran in Slade’s Corners. A private burial service will be held in Cataract, WI at a later date.
