John David Harlan Obituary
We announce the death of John David Harlan of Des Moines, Iowa, born in Newton, Iowa, who passed away on December 13, 2025, at the age of 82. John will be remembered by family members, friends, and others whose lives were connected in meaningful ways. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
He was predeceased by: his parents, Ellis Harlan and Julia Harlan (Blount); his grandfather Samuel Blount; and his sisters, Mary and Jane.
He is survived by: his wife Cynthia Harlan (Haas); his stepchildren, John II (Mi Suk), Nicole (Luis), Elena (Scott), Frances and Joe (Melissa); and his grandchildren, Sarah, Anne, Xabier, Merrick, Julia, Gannon, Korbyn and Charlie. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, to please consider donating to John's church, St. Luke's Episcopal Church (https://www.stlukes-dsm.org) or an organization that he supported, the Public Broadcasting Service (https://www.pbs.org).
