Harlan Scheibe
October 30, 1943 ~ October 17, 2013
Harlan Mark Scheibe, 69, Fargo, North Dakota, died on October 17, 2013, at his home with his wife and daughters at his side. He died from the effects of a rare and aggressive cancer associated with exposure to Agent Orange when he served in South Vietnam.
Harlan was born on October 30, 1943, in Huron, South Dakota, to Milburn (Mel) and Beryl (Jackie) (Anderson) Scheibe. He was proud to have shared his birthday with his grandpa Ole Scheibe. He was raised and attended school grades 1-12 in Wolsey, South Dakota. He was a fairly good basketball player in high school once scoring 38 points in a game.
After graduating high school he attended the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, South Dakota, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. While at SDM&T he enrolled in the Army ROTC program and the Army Flight Program. Upon graduation he was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the Army Corps of Engineers and received his private pilot’s license. After graduation he worked for a short time for the Caterpillar Co. in East Peoria, Ill., before going on active duty at Ft. Belvoir, VA. After finishing the Engineer Officers Basic Course he was assigned to rotary wing flight school at Ft. Wolters, Texas and Ft. Rucker, Alabama. While he was at Ft. Wolters, Harlan and Kathryn Ann Rahm were married. For the next 46 years she was his best friend, love of his life and the “rock” for their family. Harlan was fortunate to graduate first in his flight school class. Because the classes were so large only the honor graduate was allowed to have his pilots wings pinned on by his wife or mother during the graduation ceremony. They still treasure the photo of Kathy pinning on his pilot’s wings during flight school graduation.
From September 1967 to September 1968 Harlan served as a platoon leader in an assault helicopter company in South Vietnam. He survived shot up helicopters and he and his crew crawled out of a helicopter, all without injury, that crashed and burned due to a mechanical failure. While in South Vietnam Harlan was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses for heroism while participating in aerial flight.
After his honorable discharge from the Army he worked in industry as a mechanical engineer until he returned to South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota, where he received a degree in pharmacy. He then attended North Dakota State University where he received a Masters degree in hospital pharmacy and completed a residency in hospital pharmacy at the Fargo Veterans Administration Hospital. He then worked as a pharmacist at the San Diego Veterans Administration Hospital, in La Jolla, California, until he had the opportunity to return to the Fargo VA Hospital where he spent the rest of his pharmacy career working as a staff pharmacist, supervisor and for the last 26 years of his career as the Chief of the Pharmacy Service. He considered it an honor and privilege to be able to serve fellow veterans. He chose to receive his care during his last illness at the Fargo VA because of the esteem he has for those who care for veterans and is thankful for the care and compassion they graciously extended to Harlan and his family.
He was a member of the West Fargo Veteran’s of Foreign Wars and the Nativity Knights of Columbus. In 2006 Harlan was named “Civil Servant of the Year” by the Fargo-Moorhead Federal Executive Association.
He is survived by his wife Kathryn. His daughters Karen Marie Scheibe Eliason, Esq. (Fredrik Eliason), Prior Lake, MN, and Meghan Marie Scheibe, M.D. (Jason Kelly, M.D.), San Francisco, CA. Harlan always thought it would liven up Thanksgiving Day dinners to have a daughter who was a lawyer and a daughter who was a doctor at the table. Two grandchildren, Kaitlyn Marie Eliason and Erik Harlan Eliason. A sister, Cheryl (Bob) Kruztfeldt, Huron, SD. An uncle, Don Scheibe, Huron, SD. Two very special aunts, Mrs. Faye Nettinga, Huron, SD and Mrs. Phyllis Cogswell, Aberdeen, SD. Harlan’s daily visits with his Aunt Faye over the last several years were a delight and comfort to them both as they reminisced and enjoyed each other’s company. A brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Greg (Cyd) Rahm, Turton, SD; mother-in-law, Mrs. Leola Rahm, Aberdeen, SD; nieces, nephews and cousins. Harlan was preceded in death by his parents, Mel and Jackie Scheibe and father-in-law Arthur Rahm.
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Austin TX A fine man, I consider myself lucky in knowing him those many years ago
I worked for/with Harlan as a pharmacy resident at the Fargo VA. He was a wonderful and influential mentor!
burke virginiaI met Harlan during my tenure in VACO Pharmacy Service. He was respected by everyone.
I never met a better person. The world needs millions of people like Harlan.
He will be missed by all who knew him.
God Bless him.
Fargo Sorry for the loss of Harlan.
He was a great loving parent and friend during my stint as a hockey dad.
Harlan was a excellent sport and supporter of the Girls Hockey and you could see that sports and support were in him. It is way too soon for such a fine person to leave us on earth.
He will be very missed by the community, family and friends.
I hope all shared the nice memories of kind Harlan a great example for all.
Jeff Schlossman
Fairfax VAHarlan contributed a great deal to VA pharmacy and his fellow Veterans through his efforts as a data management expert, pharmacy computer application pioneer and pharmacy adminstrator. The work he accomplished using his engineering and pharmacy skills encouraged many others in VA pharmacy to follow his lead. We have benefitted from his hard work and my thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones.
Blaine MN
Kathy – I was so sorry to hear of Harlan’s death (my mother told me). When I heard your name I immediately was filled with wonderful memories of St. John’s Hospital. Please know that I am thinking of you and your daughters.
Lenexa KsHaving bee a student, resident, physician and peer of your family, Kathy and Harlan, it is my honor to have been a part of your lives– for a reason, a season, but in our case, a lifetime. I will recite the Rosary with special intentions.
Dan Dalan, MD
madison wiI worked with Harlan at the Fargo VA in the mid 1970s. He was a year ahead of me in the pharmacy residency program and we often worked the early evening shifts together. Harlan was a wonderful
mentor and role model. He was usually
steady and in control but I do remember him cutting loose with the the old CW McCall song Convoy–check out the song if you don’t remember it.
On trips to Fargo I liked to visit with Harlan at the VA partly because he always had some new thing he had developed –always ahead of everyone else.
With sympathy,
Bill Kennelly
Casa Grande AZ
Harlan was a cousin I haven’t seen in many years, I’m ashamed to say. After my husband retired from the Air Force & we moved to WA & AZ
, our trips to the Midwest were few & far between. I last saw Harlan when he went out of his way to visit my Mother shortly before she died in 1970. He has always been a very compassionate person & as others in your guest book have said, a gentleman’s gentleman.
My thoughts & prayers are with you & your daughters, Kathy, as you begin a new journey in life. Your memories will keep Harlan with you along the way & our Heavenly Father will be leading you.
Kansas City MOI had the honor and privilege to work with Harlan at the Fargo VA for many years. He was a great mentor and leader. My condolences to his family.
Burke VAWhile serving as the Chief Pharmacist at the Fargo VA Medical Center, I had the great privilege and honor to serve with Harlan in providing care to America’s Veterans. Of all the pharmacists I served with in my VA career, Harlan was one of the most competent, humble and caring. I tried very, very hard and long to have Harlan join me in VA headquarters…he truly was and is one of the best persons one encounters in their life.
Rugby ND
Kathy and girls:
So sorry to hear of Harland’s passing. Kathy, don’t know if you remember me, I worked at Dakota Hospital with you back from 73-76 (my last name was Field). I was in Nursery and Peds and got married and moved to San Francisco. Karen was abou 3 yrs. old. My daughter was 6 when we moved. Time sure flies, doesn’t it? I did not know you had moved to Fargo again. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Would love to hear from you. Sandy
Washington DCBeing 7 years older then me, I always looked up to my “Big” cousin with great respect. I can remember him taking me up my first chairlift in the Black Hills and how he calmed this scared kid who was afraid of heights. His service to his country, family and friends speaks for itself. Truly a great man who is going to be missed. All my love and prayers to his family in their time of grief.
Savannah GeorgiaDear Karen and Family, I am deeply sadden to hear of Harlan’s passing. My prayers are for God’s peace and everlasting love to comfort you in this difficult time. Harlan was a man who gained respect from all who knew him. We lost a great man but Heaven gained an angel who has already earned his wings.
Taylorville ILI met Harlan and Kathy in flight school
in Alabama and became frienda. Harlan and I then servied in Vietiam together and he was one of the best Officers I ever served with. He was a very good person and will be greatly missed. I am very proud to have knowing and will miss him in the future.
Our prayrs and thoughts are with you.
wolverton MN
Harlan was a great man. I had the privilege of working with him at the VA in Fargo. He was always committed to giving the best care to the veterans. He was very proud of his family and his love for all of you will help you through the difficult days ahead . Harlan is in a better place now. May God grant you peace and know that Harlan is now with his maker.
God bless you
Pat Freitag
Springfield VAFor a patriot like Harlan, it is not hard for me to remember his leadership, heroism, friendship and professionalism as a young Captain who led a platoon of helicopters into some of the most dangerous landing zones during the Vietnam War. He was a gentleman’s gentleman and his soldiers followed him without question. Such a pity that God has taken him at yet a young age but I am sure he will be a welcome addition to his heavenly hosts. Rest in peace Harlan.
Orange CaliforniaDear Kathy and Family,
Through all your sadness you must be very proud to have been married to Harlan, a man of so many accomplishments, including serving his Country.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Maurice LaBrie
PIEDMONT SDI was honored to have worked with Harlan for many years on the network formulary committee and as a fellow pharmacist. He was kind, smart, and funny and always interested in what was going on in our lives. He was awesome at making us smarter – he’d always tell us here’s the data and then proceed to tell us what it ACTUALLY meant! I learned SO much from him and sorely missed him when he retired. Mine is just another voice to tell you what you already know – he was a wonderful man and will be truly missed. God bless you during this difficult time and my prayers are with you.
Chanhassen Minnesota
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Scheibe family. I had the privilege of working with Harlan on a VA Pharmacy Committee for a number of years. He was such a soft spoken gentlemen and so devoted to the veterans we cared for. His one liners always added levity to our discussions.
On a personal level we talked about being a helicopter pilot, as my son in law went through the ROTC program at UND.
I am so sad to hear of his illness and recent passing.
May The Lord hold you all in his loving arms during this time.
Debbie Flach
Colfax ND
I began working with Harlan as a Pharmacy Tech when he was still the acting Chief of Pharmacy. As a former evac medic with the 4th/12th Air Cavalry, we spent a lot of time talking “helicopter stuff” as only fellow “rotorheads” could. I only just retired from my VA career, the vast majority of which I owe to Harlan’s faith in transferring me sight unseen from the VA in Mnpls, for which I am eternally grateful. Kathy, I extend my sympathies to you and your family and want you to know that the VA Pharmacy Family will be here for you. Harlan, I will miss you, but we can continue talking ‘copters later!
Brigham City UTHarlan and I arrived in the 162nd on the same flight on 10 Sep 1967. We served as platoon leaders together and shared many common experiences. I was honored to see him at the first Vulture reunion in Savannah. He was a good friend and an excellent officer, pilot, and platoon leader. I was proud to have known him and served with him. May God bless Harlan and his family.
Fargo ND
The world will not be the same without Harlan in it. He was a great person with a kind heart. It was truly an honor knowing him. God Bless you Harlan.
Fargo North Dakota
Kathy, Karen and Meghan,
I am so sorry for your loss. Harlan was the best neighbor one could have and provided comfort to my family when Ray passed away. He was so proud of his family and has provided wonderful memories for you to draw upon. Today he and Ray are reuniting in heaven.
I had the wonderful honor of working iwth Harlan at the Fargo VA for many years. He was a great Chief and a kind man. May the Lord watch over you during this very difficult time.
Puyallup WashingtonHarlan was a friend and comrade during our tour of aviation duty in Vietnam. It was wonderful seeing him again three years ago at our 162 AHC reunion in Savannah. I followed him in on the day he had a mechanical failure and brought the crew out. His skill and devotion to duty as our flight lead was unsurpassed.
May God Bless All of You.
dilworth, mnKathy and family, Harlan will always be in our thoughts and prayers. He was a true gentleman. His love and pride for his family was evident for all that knew him. Even with his health struggles the past couple of years , his concern was for others. He dealt with his illness with courage, strength, and even humor. An inspiration to all of us. We will always remember his kindness and his great sense of humor, those witty one- liners delivered with just the right timing. He never walked alone. May Gods Eternal Light shine upon him.
With Love,
Denny and Lu Ann
Fargo ND
Kathy and Family,
We are truly saddened by the death of Harlan. Although, our careers have separated us, we still think of you often. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Bruce & Mary Davidson
Sheldon North Dakota
I have no doubt that Harlan is with his maker. He was a gentle loving man and co-worker. He was always so helpful and funny when we worked together at the VA and in our consulting careers. He will be missed…God Bless
Fargo N.D
akotaKathy, Karen, Meghan and family,
It was a privilege to know Harlan. He truly was a “Gentle Giant”.
His quiet manner and subtle wit will be missed.
I hope that all the cherished memories of your happier times together far out shadow the sad times.
Take care in knowing he is in Heaven watching over all of you.
Love,
Linda and Chuck Reiter
Charleston SCPlease accept my condolences. Harlan was a great guy. I had the priviledge of serving with him in the 162nd Assault Helicopter Company. He was soft spoken, had a great sense of humor and was a brave man as he demonstrated on many occasions. In addition, he was a fine leader – and a good pal to all. We are all going to miss knowing he is around.
Bruce Stoehr
Clearwater FloridaHarlan was a great leader & friend. He will be missed. Our thoughts go with Kathy and her family.
Sheri & Don
Fairfax VirginiaHarlan was a great soldier and wonderful person. As his commanding officer during the Vietnam War I continuously recognized his absolutely outstanding leadership, sound judgment and bravery in the conduct of many difficult combat operations of the 162nd Assault Helicopter Company – the Vultures. He was also very personable and very popular with his fellow officers and the soldiers under his command. Harlan, we miss you greatly, your work is done – be thou at peace.
Newberg ORDear Kathy and family,
You all are in my thoughts and prayers in Harlan’s death. May he have eternal peace and joy with our loving God. May his legacy of love live on in all of you.
Fr. Tim
It is sobering to read the comments about Harlan’s death of more than four years ago. He was the Chief of Pharmacy when I was a pharmacy resident from Wyoming and one of the best mentors I’ve had in my 30 year pharmacy career.
I hadn’t heard of the details of his military career, and can now understand his underlying sense of dry humor, great integrity, quiet confidence which inspired a sense of accomplishment in the pharmacy department, and his love of ice cream, not that silly diet stuff–if you’re going to eat ice cream, you may as well enjoy it, in similarity to my own father. And, now I know why, perhaps, as they shared somewhat of a sense of upbringing in South Dakota, Army military service, and attending South Dakota School of Mines.
What a lovely person.