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Harlan Pleiness
Harlan E. Pleiness, 98, of Custer passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025. Harlan was born on the family farm in Riverton Township on February 4, 1927, the only child of William L. and Carrie V. (Young) Pleiness, and graduated from Scottville High School with the class of 1944. Harlan furthered his education at Michigan State College (now Michigan State University) in the short course agriculture program, proudly graduating in 1949. On November 22, 1952 he married Julian Kriscunas in Riverton Township and they celebrated 61 years together before Julian preceded him in death on February 27, 2014.
Born and raised on the family farm, Harlan carried on the family legacy of dairy farming in Riverton. He was a member of the American Guernsey Cattle Club and Dairy Herd Improvement Association; served as local president and held various district offices of the Michigan Milk Producers Association; was a longtime member of Michigan Farm Bureau; served his community on the Eden Township Board of Review and the Mason County Planning Commission; was a charter member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Scottville, serving as an elder and chairman of the congregation, and he and Julian participated in the church bowling league; and after retiring from farming – drove school bus for Mason County Central Schools for over 20 years where he especially enjoyed driving the athletic teams to their away game competitions.
Always a farmer, Harlan maintained a beautiful garden at his home. He and Julian were also members of the Bells and Beaux Square Dance club. Of all the different hats Harlan wore during his life, none gave him more joy than being a loving husband to his wife, a father to his children, and being able to be the biggest fan for his grandkids in all their endeavors. Saturday nights at the Pleiness home were always reserved for games of pinochle – which was Harlan and Julian’s way of keeping family close.
Along with his wife Julian, Harlan was also preceded in death by his parents William and Carrie, and his son-in-law Walter Reed.
Harlan will be greatly missed by his children Sheri Reed of Custer, Barry (Kathy) Pleiness of Scottville, and Dale (Julie) Pleiness of Ludington; his grandchildren Chad (Annika) Pleiness of Freeport, Misty Pleiness of Goodrich, Erica (Rob) Smith of Ludington, Brian Pleiness (Tiffiny Henderson) of Custer, Julie (Kent) Knudsen of Ludington, Gary Berndt of Custer, and Peter Berndt of Las Vegas, NV; his great-grandchildren Isabella and Jenson Smith, Caden, Kellen, and Arden Pleiness, Kloe, Kolton, and Knoah Knudsen; and many great friends made over a lifetime.
Funeral services will be held for Harlan at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 26 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Scottville with his friend and pastor, Rev. Kenneth Williamson officiating. Burial will take place at Center Riverton Cemetery later this spring. Friends may meet with his family for a time of visitation on Tuesday evening, February 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services in Scottville, and on Wednesday morning from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church. Those who wish to make a memorial donation in Harlan’s memory are asked to please consider the memorial fund at Our Savior Lutheran Church.
Please visit Harlan’s memory page at www.wymanfuneralservice.com to share a memory or tribute of Harlan with his family.
