GETTYSBURG, SD – Harlen D. Shaw, 88, of Gettysburg, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the Eastern Star Home, Redfield.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Gettysburg with Pastor David Otten presiding, Burial will follow in the Gettysburg Cemetery with military honors. A prayer service will be 7:00 p.m., Monday, August 10, 2026, at the church with visitation one hour prior.
Harlen was born on August 10, 1937, on a farm near Lebanon, South Dakota, to Melvin “Joe” and Amanda (Titze) Shaw. He was delivered by Dr. E. H. Collins. He attended Mikkelsen Country School in Cunningham Township through the eighth grade before graduating from Lebanon High School in 1955, where he was an avid basketball player.
On June 7, 1959, Harlen married the love of his life, Sharon Miller. They were blessed with two sons, Richard Allen, born in June 1962, and David Douglas, born in January 1976.
In 1961, Harlen was drafted into the United States Army, being inducted at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was honorably discharged in 1963 and remained a proud veteran throughout his life.
Known as a true “jack of all trades,” Harlen’s strong work ethic was evident in every job he held. He began his career at Miller Clothing Store in Gettysburg before joining Langslet Funeral Home and Furniture Store, where he learned the flooring trade. He later worked for Comeau Plumbing before establishing his own successful carpet-laying business.
In 1991, after scaling back his flooring business, Harlen accepted the position of Potter County Veterans Service Officer. He faithfully served local veterans for 26 years before retiring in 2017. During his tenure, he helped countless veterans receive the military benefits and services they had earned. He was instrumental in the planning and construction of the Potter County Veterans Memorial and was honored as Legionnaire of the Year in 2017. A lifetime member of the American Legion, Harlen was also presented with a Quilt of Valor in 2021 in recognition of his military service and unwavering support of fellow veterans.
Harlen generously gave his time to his community in many other ways as well. He helped organize and work the Whitlock Bay Fishing Tournament for more than 27 years, an event he greatly enjoyed.
An outdoorsman at heart, Harlen found happiness in fishing, hunting with his sons, predator calling, trapping, and tending what he proudly considered the best garden around. He was also an accomplished trap shooter, earning the title of South Dakota State Handicap Trap Shooting Champion from the 25-yard line in 1976 at Chamberlain, SD after breaking an impressive 99 out of 100 clay targets. He had a special affection for his Golden Retrievers and cats, who were treasured companions throughout the years.
In November 2022, Harlen and Sharon moved to the Eastern Star Assisted Living in Redfield.
Harlen will forever be cherished by his sons: Rick (Deb) of Redfield and David (Shawna) of West Fargo, ND; his special grandchildren: Samantha (Eric Butz) Shaw of Gettysburg, Spencer (Dylan) Shaw of Sioux Falls, and Colston Shaw of West Fargo, ND; step-grandchildren: Danielle (Jamison) Carpenter, Ohio, Stephanie (Travis) Rude, Aberdeen, Krystle Dickhaut (Brady Williams), Sioux Falls, and Drew (Haley) Dickhaut, Redfield; seven step great grandchildren as well as one on the way; brothers-in-law: Dr. R. Marshal (Mable), Jerry (Robin), and Phil (Michele) Miller, all of Huntsville, TX, and Doug (Sherri) Miller, Pierre; sister-in-law, Marge Miller, Ft. Pierre and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was welcomed home by his parents; wife Sharon; brother-in-law, Johnny Miller; and sisters-in-law, Phyllis and Kathy Miller.
Memorials in Harlen’s memory may be directed to the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 601 E Logan Ave, Gettysburg, SD 57442, or directly to the family. The family requests no flowers or plants.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Harlen’s arrangements.
