Harlan Phinney

Dates

Obituary

Harlan Phinney, 83, of Mitchell, SD, passed onto eternal life on Friday, March 22, 2024, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Wednesday, March 27, at First United Methodist Church in Mitchell. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Mitchell. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-7:00 PM at Bittner Funeral Chapel.

A livestream of the funeral service can be viewed at: https://www.downtownfirstumc.com/worship-using-technology

Harlan Ray Phinney, son of Morton T. Phinney and Elsie V. Bitterman, was born in Loomis, South Dakota on April 27, 1940.

He had many experiences throughout life that made him who he was. Those who had a chance would relive those moments through Harlan’s many lively stories, from his youth and teen years to meeting his wife Carol in Springfield. He lived his life around his love of cars, at one time, drag racing the family car at Thunder Valley. He passed his passion onto his kids, teaching them to overhaul a motor to sanding and painting their first cars. 

Harlan owned a service station at the corner of First and Sanborn. Retiring early from Trail King, he and Carol then spent time working with Mickey and Minnie in Florida. Mitchell called them back to finish out their lives there, taking on the task of mowing Graceland Cemetery.

Harlan married Carol L. Magstadt, celebrating 63 years of marriage. He is also survived by three children:  Kim (Mark) Mostek, Broomfield, CO, Scott (Julie) Phinney, Springfield, IL, Mark (Kathy) Phinney, Appleton, WI, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who felt he was the best. Also survived by his sister, Judy (Lyle) Kaufman, Colorado and sisters-in-law, Peg and Shirley. 

Harlan was preceded in death by his parents, Mort and Elsie Phinney, and brothers, Doug and Craig.

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