HOISINGTON — Harlan Dean Maier, 76, died Nov. 29, 2015, at Via Christi Hospital in Wichita. He was born Oct. 16, 1939, in Hays, the son of Henry and Tabea Esther (Deitz) Maier. Harlan went to a one room grade school in District 69, and later graduated from Otis Rural High School in 1957.
He married Betty Ann Steinert on Oct. 21, 1962, in Milberger. They later divorced. He then married Rebecca J. Humphrey on June 4, 1976. She preceded him in death on Sept. 19, 2015.
Following in the family business he became a butcher, first working for Dietz Meat Processing in Milberger from 1957 to 1963. Harlan and Betty then owned and operated the H & B Grocery until 1969, when he started working at Town & Country Market in Hoisington until his retirement. He also ran his own mowing business, sometimes mowing until late at night after his work at the grocery store.
Harlan was a former member of the Bender Hill Church, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Galatia, and the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Milberger. After his second marriage he became a member of the First United Methodist Church in Hoisington. Harlan was also an avid bowler participating in many leagues.
Harlan was well known for his portrayal of Santa Claus, appearing at many, many places all over Barton County for over 40 years.
He is survived by a son, Mark Maier and wife Jennifer of Garden City; two stepdaughters, Shelley Riedel and husband Richard of Hoisington, and Tracey Patch of Lenexa; a sister, Shirley Hartwick and husband Stewart of Smolan; and grandchildren, Austin Maier and Drake Maier of Garden City, Jessica Weiss, Jacky Maier of Denver, Colo., Jeneva Maier of Great Bend, Kera Riedel of St. George, and Tari and Logan Riedel of Hoisington; and great-grandchildren, Jed, and Kiptyn Zeller, and Bentlee Riedel. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Monte Maier; his wife Rebecca; a brother Paul; and two grandsons.
Per Harlan’s wishes he has bequeathed his body to The University of Kansas School of Medicine. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, at the First United Methodist Church in Hoisington, with the Rev. Dr. Reuben Lang’at presiding. Friends may sign the book Wednesday and Thursday with family to receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home**
P.O. Box 146; 415 N. Main
Hoisington, KS 67544
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 2, 2015