School bus driver, farmer, church usher, local sports enthusiast, Santa Claus. If you've lived in the Cando, N.D., area for some time, chances are you have crossed Harlan's path in the community while he was performing one of his many roles. Those who know him will remember his smile, his humor, and his big heart. Surrounded by family, he left this earth Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, and joined the love of his life, LaVonne.

A celebration of life will be held for Harlan at 2 p.m. on May 20 at the Assembly of God Church in Cando.

Memorials in Harlans name are preferred to the Cando American Legion, P.O. Box 863, Cando, ND 58324.

Harlan Eugene Wagenman was born Sept. 21, 1934, to Everett and Mina (Frye) Wagenman in rural Towner County. Ever a gentleman, he let his twin, Edair, arrive first. He was born 5 minutes later.

He married LaVonne Brandt on July 13, 1954. They farmed near Cando and had four children. Harlan served in the U.S. Army for several years and was stationed in Germany.

He loved raising sheep, and it gave him great joy to see his grandson, Ben, carry on the tradition on the family farm. After he retired from farming, Harlan continued to work as a hired hand, and he drove a Cando rural school bus route for more than 40 years.

He delighted his grandchildren and many other local children by playing Santa. He was quite convincing with his big, booming laugh, jolly smile, and old-fashioned sleigh bells he would ring outside the door.

Later in life, he taught himself to play saxophone, and he loved to play hymns in church accompanied by Lavonne on the piano. He and LaVonne also were foster parents and caretakers of elderly residents in their home.

Harlan and LaVonne loyally cheered on the Bearcats athletes, and they were awarded Fans of the Year in 2021 for their devotion.

Harlan spoke often of his love of the Lord and his gratitude for all the blessings in his life.

Harlan is survived by his sister, Edair (Ron) Teubner, Cando, N.D.; brother Garth (Jan) Wagenman of Surprise, Ariz.; sister-in-law Carolyn "Cookie" Wagenman of Fresno, Calif.; daughter, Marlene Anderson of Spokane, W.A.; sons Kim (Tracee) Wagenman of Spearfish, S.D.; and Paul (Mindy) Wagenman of Cando, N.D.; granddaughters Aleisha (Michael) Theisen of Minneapolis, M.N.; Tiffany Althaus of Seattle, W.A.; Erica (Dustin) Lyle of Hayward, W.I.; Madison Wagenman of Cando, N.D.; grandsons Dustin (Rebecca) Anderson of Spokane, W.A.; Travis Anderson of Spokane, W.A.; Ben Wagenman of Cando, N.D.; and six great-grandchildren: Kaelyn and Jaisab Lyle of Hayward, W.I.; and Elkin, Payson, Hudson, and Kinsley Anderson of Spokane, W.A.

He was preceded in death by his wife, LaVonne; his parents; his sister, Murna; his brother, Mick; a son, Mark; and a grandson, Levi.