Harlan J. Whipple age 72 of Redwood Falls passed away on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at Sunwood Good Samaritan Care Center in Redwood Falls.

Visitation will be 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Lower Sioux Community Center with a funeral service to follow at 5:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue on Wednesday at 12:00 noon at the Oyanke Community Center in Santee, Nebraska.

Funeral Services will be held again at 1:00 p.m. in Santee.  Interment is in the Most Merciful Savior Episcopal Cemetery in Santee, NE.  Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Harlan was born May 20, 1940 in Pine Ridge, SD to Rev. Christian B. & Ester (Harlan) Whipple.  He was baptized and confirmed in the Episcopalian faith.  Harlan attended St. Elizabeth Episcopal School in Wakpala, SD and graduated from Bishop Hare School in Mission, SD.  He later attended college earning a degree in counseling.  Harlan was a member of the US Navy for 20 years and served in the Vietnam War.  Following his Honorary Discharge, Harlan lived in many places.  He worked with veterans in the Veterans Administration office.  He later worked as a chemical dependency counselor at Hazelden, and serving the Native American Community in Minneapolis for many years, until his retirement.  On October 4, 1986, Harlan was united in marriage to Dorothy “Dottie” Bluestone at All Saints Episcopal Indian Mission in Minneapolis.  Harlan was a Traditional and a Sun Dancer.  He enjoyed watching the Minnesota Vikings.  He loved visiting and sharing stories with his relatives and friends, and especially enjoyed his time with the grandchildren.

Harlan is survived by his wife Dottie Whipple of Redwood Falls and his sister Blanche (Jack) Zembower of Denver, CO.  He is also survived by children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends.  Preceding him in death are his parents and great niece Miracle.