Harley E. Blumke, 87, of Brookings, passed away Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, at Arlington Care and Rehabilitation Center in Arlington. 

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Hidewood Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. Visitation will be from 5 to 7: p.m. Friday, March 2, 2018, at Rude’s Funeral Home in Brookings. Geise Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

 Memorials may be directed to The Brookings Activities Center Dance fund or Compassionate Care Hospice.

 Harley Eugene Blumke was born Jan. 21, 1931, to Albert and Evelyn (Bluske) Blumke.  He was the oldest of four children who were baptized and confirmed in the Hidewood Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, which their grandfather was the architect.  He was raised on the family farm on the Hidewood Hill in Deuel County and attended country school up to the eighth grade.  He was an excellent carpenter and had an expertise in mechanical knowledge which was a great asset to help maintain the equipment for his father.

 As a young man, one of his favorite past times was working on his car, taking it apart, cleaning everything, putting it back together, and buying any new parts to make it as loud as possible.  You could hear it for miles as he traveled to the nearby towns to go roller skating, another one of his favorite activities.  In Milbank, he met Shirley Ann Williams and they would dance on skates together and fall in love.

In December 1951, Harley enlisted into the Air Force.  While attending aircraft mechanic school, Shirley joined him and they were united in marriage on May 12, 1952, in Wichita Falls, Texas.  His expertise in mechanics again excelled as he worked to maintain jet engines and could easily tell you what made the B-52 tick.  In September 1952 they moved to Chanute, Illinois, for electrician school and later was sent over to Japan.  Due to his father’s unexpected illness, Harley received an honorable discharge, receiving many medals including:  Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.  He returned to manage the family farm and eventually decide to turn it into a dairy operation.  The marriage was blessed with four children who were baptized and confirmed in the Hidewood Church in the one true faith he grew up with.

He always had a smile, helping hand, and a one-of-a-kind laugh and enjoyed combining and silage cutting with his neighbor.  During these years Harley was very active in the community and participated on Church, Cemetery, and Township Boards and tried to unite the dairy farmers to have a strong voice and better price for their product in the National Farmers Organization.  He had a special passion for the Soil Conservation and worked very hard on projects to save the natural resources. 

In April 1998, Harley and Shirley retired from farming and he went to work part time for the Brookings Parks and Recreation Department maintaining the lawns.  They enjoyed many trips south to Alamo, Texas, and became official Winter Texans.  They met people from many states, built strong friendships, and long-lasting relationships.

 Oct. 21, 2008, Shirley was called to her heavenly home and in the fall 2009, Harley was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and decided to sell the family farm. 

 He moved to Brookings and loved his apartment and his peaceful view out his window.  He got involved in the Brookings Activity Center and the opportunities they offered for socializing:  eating together, playing pool, playing cards, and Monday night dances especially.  He accepted the responsibility for calling and scheduling the bands for the calendar and other duties connected to Monday nights.  He loved to travel to many other towns too taking a van full of people with him who loved the dances as much as him.  He also loved to go on road trips with his sister, Shirley and brother, Lowell, laughing and joking all the way.

In April 2017, Harley qualified for help from Compassionate Care Hospice and couldn’t believe how blessed he was to have these wonderful helpers and was truly grateful.  He grew to love them as family as they gave him loving care without end. After a short stay in the Brookings Hospital and the Arlington Care and Rehabilitation Center, Harley peacefully passed away February 22nd, 2018 at 87 years old.

 Grateful for having shared his life were his four children:  Kandy of Blaine, Minnesota, Gene and wife Judy of North Highlands, California, Jeanne and husband Dan Eclov of Brookings and Craig and soul mate Sandy of Brookings; grandchildren:  Teri and husband Eric Hammill of Ham Lake, Minnesota, Adam of Yankton, Nate and Heather of Yankton, Brian and wife Julie of Sioux Falls, Jordon of Brookings, Amanda of North Highlands, California, Gene Jr. of Watertown and Lindsay of Charlotte, North Carolina; and 15 great grandchildren; one sister, Shirley and husband Earl Colberg, Estelline, one brother, Lowell and wife Lois of St. Peter, Minnesota; two sisters-in-law, Donna (Richard) Minahan and Marilyn (David) Tassler; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 Preceding him in death:  His devoted wife, Shirley, his sister, Beverly, parents, grandparents, and numerous other relatives.

 Condolences may be sent to the family through www.geisefuneralhome.com.