DeLane Harper

DeLane N. Harper age 79 of Nashua, IA died Sunday, January 1, 2017 at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, IA. Friends may greet the family 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 6, 2017, at Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home - Olson Chapel in Nashua. DeLane Nolon Harper was born May 3, 1937, in Missouri, the son of Linn and Delores (Nickell) Harper. DeLane attended school in Ottumwa, IA, where he excelled in track & field and competed in state track. He graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1956. DeLane enlisted into the United States Marines where he served his country for over two years. After DeLane returned home, he began working for Roth Construction. DeLane then began working for Harvestore in Nashua working with the company for several years. He was then employed by Prairie Construction working there until his retirement. DeLane worked on many different projects throughout his years in construction. He spent time working on bridges, roads, hospitals, schools, courthouses, colleges and houses. DeLane took great pride in his work and could remember almost every project he worked on. DeLane was introduced to Mary Benda and the couple were married. To this union three children, Steve, Scott and Lori were born. The couple later divorced. Several years later he met Janice Cerwinske and the couple was married in 1981 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. To this union one son, Matthew was born. The couple later divorced. DeLane met Belinda Graves through her son-in-law, and had an instant connection. The couple spent fifteen wonderful years together. DeLane enjoyed collecting oil lamps and had several hundred in his collection. He liked to spend time with his family going to garage sales. He liked fishing, gardening, watching birds and squirrels. He was a great storyteller and loved to tinker with about anything. DeLane is survived by his significant other, Belinda Graves of Nashua, IA; five sons, Steve Harper of Sheffield, IA, Scott (Sandy) Harper of Plainfield, IA, Matthew (Cindy) Harper of Nashua, IA, Joey Carroll of Plainfield, IA, Chris (April) Graves of Rochester, MN; four daughters, Lori (James) Mennenga of Horton, IA, Julie (Adam) Hughes of Hawkeye, IA, Lorie (Matt) Lange of Holmen, WI, Ann (Andy) Henning of Fredericksburg, IA; 18 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; brother, Dean Harper of Brookfield, MO; sister, Linda Harper of Phoenix, AZ; brother-in-law, Don (Mary Joe) Benda of Decorah, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter-in-law, Heidi Harper; brother, Danny Harper; Mary Benda