Obituary - Harlan Marble

Harlan Lee Marble, age 85, of Mapleton, passed away on May 9, 2026. His celebration of Life was held at the Beauford United Methodist Church on Sunday May 17th at 2 P.M. with visitation starting at 1:00. A gathering time followed. He is survived by his wife Elaine of 63 years, and their four children: Allen (Michelle), Emily Sieberg (special friend Ted Krause), Pamela (David) Sieberg, James (Mindy); 10 grandchildren and 15 ½ great-grandchildren. Siblings Dale, Royce (Barb), Brenda (Jeff) Wilaby; and sister-in-law Ruby Ziehl.

Harlan was born on Dec. 13, 1940, to Bruce & LaVona (Luhring) Marble in Mankato, MN. Harlan was a life-long farmer in the Beauford area. He started at the country school in Beauford, but graduated from Mapleton, MN in 1959. He was Mapleton’s first Star Greenhand in their FFA Chapter. In 1957 he served as an FFA usher at the Minnesota State Fair. This is where he met the love of his life and future wife. 

Harlan married Elaine Ziehl on 6-2-62 and together they built their farm life. Earning the Century Farm in 1964 and Sequential Farm in 2014. Harlan was elected to the Blue Earth County Soil & Water Board and served for 12 years, six of them as president. Together they served on the Ag Advisory board at the Vocational school and helped with the Peer Listening for Blue Earth County. 

Besides farming, Harlan’s other hobbies were going fishing, and traveling. Covering most of the 50 states, into Canada and Mexico. In the later years they spent their winters in Mesa, AZ. Harlan loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grands! Whether it was cuddling the babies or taking them fishing when they were older. 

Harlan was preceded in death by his parents Bruce and Lavona; parents-in-law Oswald (Bud) & Lorraine (Lindblad) Ziehl; brother Virgil; sisters & brothers-in-law: Mary Marble, Marietta & Donald Holum, Roger Ziehl, & Randy Ziehl.

The family would like to thank the staff at Prairie Senior Cottages of New Richland for their care and support over the last 12 months and 4 days. They have been an incredible Blessing and support for Harlan and his family, and we are forever grateful. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be directed to the Decoria Cemetery.