Harlan Duane Rech, 77, of Merrillville, Ind. and formerly of Austin, passed away peacefully at his residence on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009.

Harlan was born March 29, 1932 in Austin to Leo Phillip and Adeline (Boudreau) Rech. He graduated from St. Augustine’s High School in Austin in 1950.

He was a supervisor for the Ford Motor Company Plant in Chicago Heights, Ill. and served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. Harlan had been an active member in the St. Peter the Fisherman Church in Mountain Home, Ark. where he enjoyed serving as an usher. Harlan also maintained a membership at St. Andrew’s Church in Merriville, Ind. He belonged to Polish Club, Foresters and Parkinson’s Support. He was also an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for fishing.

Harlan was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who was deeply committed to his family and faith. He had a very quick wit that kept everyone he loved smiling, even in his passing. He was a dedicated husband to his wife Mary (Mayer) for more than 51 years.

Harlan Duane is survived by his five children: Richard Rech, Kenneth (Debra) Rech, Julie (John) Alessia and Jeannette (Scott) Albert; nine grandchildren: Jeromy, Ryan, Joshua, Kayla and Jessica Rech, Sarah and Andrew Albert, and Gabby and John Alessia; and one sister, Phyllis Freund.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his stepmother, Viola Kloeckner.

Services were held in Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Harlan Duane Rech’s memory may be made to parkinsonresearch.org.