Fretheim, Harlan Elroy 1930 - 2018

FRETHEIM

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/19/2024 at 21:00:44

Harlan Elroy Fretheim, 88, of Loveland, entered into eternal rest March 3, 2018, while in care at Pathways Hospice. Services are Thursday, March 8, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran in Loveland, where he will be interred in the church’s urn garden. Donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran, 3333 Duffield, Loveland 80537 or Pathways Hospice, 305 Carpenter Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80525.

Harlan was born Feb. 17, 1930, on a farm near Decorah, to Herman and Esther Fretheim. Harlan attended Luther College, then University of Iowa, where he received his bachelor’s degree and met his first wife, Leona, mother of his four oldest children. After graduating, he went on to work for General Services in D.C. in the fledgling computer science field. Our country saw promise in Harlan and provided a fellowship to Harvard, where received his master’s degree in applied mathematics. He had a varied career as a computer software engineer, beginning with Control Data, where, as a widower, he met his second wife, Sue. His most distinguished achievement was developing software for capacitive touchscreen for Control Data, providing a foundation for current touchscreen technology. His career brought him and his family to live in several states. He finally moved with Sue to Colorado in 1999.

He was a life-long student, active until recently in his church’s Greek class. He was active for two decades with the Valentine’s City Chorus Barbershop. He was an active participant in every Lutheran congregation to which he belonged. He was also a member of the Sons of Norway. He loved to travel. His time off always included time away from home. Family vacations eventually spanned 49 of the 50 states, Canada, Australia, The Philippines and Norway.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sue, and his children: Harold, Karen, Barb, Eric, Cindy and Mike; and 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Source: Decorah Newspapers March 6, 2018