Harlan Alvin Palo, 83, of Newell, SD, passed away peacefully in Spearfish, SD, on March 8, 2022.

Harlan was born May 10, 1938, in Belle Fourche, SD, to Alvin and Mary (Lakson) Palo. He was raised and grew up on the family farm near Newell, SD. He lived there his entire 83 years, working the farm, irrigating, raising sheep, cattle and his family.

Harlan attended Newell School until his graduation in 1956. He was active in 4-H and FFA while in school and was elected State FFA president in 1957.  Harlan met Joan in high school, and they were married on May 24, 1958, in Newell. They experienced almost 64 years of marriage. They were blessed with 5 children, Teresa, Diane, Jim, Gary and Rich.

Harlan enjoyed everything to do with hunting and fishing.  He had a deer and antelope license every year since he was 12 years of age. Harlan made many trips east river to hunt pheasants where he made lasting friendships. He even had the opportunity to shoot a wild boar in Florida. He also enjoyed great times on fishing trips to Alaska, Florida, and Lake Oahe near Mobridge, SD.

He worked in Deadwood in the early 90s dealing Blackjack and as a floor supervisor. Too active to retire, Harlan became a contract mail driver for 15 years taking mail to the Opal area, driving 140 miles roundtrip 6 days a week until the last 5 months of his life.

He loved playing in the Blackjack tournaments in Deadwood and attending his grandchildren's sporting events. He was a Belle Fourche Irrigation District board member for 28 years.

Harlan is survived by his wife, Joan (DeGarlais); children, Teresa (Dudley) Bethea, Whitewood, SD, Diane (Kevin) VanderMay, Norris, SD, Jim Palo, Newell, SD, Gary (Mary) Palo, Hot Springs, SD, and Richard Palo, Newell, SD; and by his niece, Janice (Barry) Thompson of Kingsley, IA; twelve grandchildren, Kayla (Andrew) Groeneweg, Teri (Curtis) Williams, Brian (Katie) Fox, Brandon Fox, Rebecca (Dalton) McCollam, Derek VanderMay, Jesse Arends, Emilie (Kellie) Katelman, Cassie (Jeff) Matto, Jacob (Emily) Palo, Chase Palo, and Madilyn Palo; three step-grandchildren, Justin Ford, Charlie (Lisa) Ford, Melissa Ford (Steve Netterberg);  five great-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lorraine Henry; and daughter-in-law, Cheryl Palo.

Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 14, 2022, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.

Funeral service to begin at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 14, 2022, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, SD.

Burial will take place after lunch at Snoma Finnish Cemetery Fruitdale, SD.

A memorial has been established to the Newell Ambulance and the Newell Fire Dept.

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