Harlan Diedriech Kirchhoff, 90, of Avoca, NE died peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 6, 2024, at Syracuse Area Health in Syracuse, NE.  Harlan was born on January 13, 1934, in Rural Weeping Water, NE to Fred John and Caroline Emma Sophie (Ludwig) Kirchhoff.

Harlan was raised on a farm by Weeping Water, NE, where he was involved in dairy and tractors for 4-H and farming for different farmers in the area.  Harlan graduated from Avoca High School in 1951 where he was on the basketball team and a letterman.  Harlan married his high school sweetheart Belva Jean Johnson on April 7, 1953, at North Branch First Lutheran Church in Avoca, NE.  Harlan and Belva had three children: Cheryl, Shane, and Michele.

Harlan worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad for some years before deciding farming was his passion.  He spent most of his life farming in Avoca, NE with his son, Shane, and grandson, Jess Kirchhoff.  He was a devoted husband and father.  Nothing brought him more joy than being with his family.

Harlan is survived by his wife of 71 years, Belva, of Avoca; Children: Cheryl (Lou) Meek of Omaha, Shane (Mary) Kirchhoff of Avoca, and Michele (Steve) Mueller of Avoca; Grandchildren: Lori Kirchhoff of Syracuse, Lizabeth (Hulen) Brown of Omaha, Joel (Marci) Mueller of Panama, Carolyn Meek of Omaha, Jordan (Brittany) Mueller of Palmyra.  Great Grandchildren: Hailey, Ryan, & Emma Kirchhoff of Syracuse, Jerome Jr., Talan, & Sophia Green of Omaha, and Sawyer & Hudson Mueller of Palmyra.

He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, Elmer & June Johnson, brother, Robert Kirchhoff, daughter-in-law, Kim Kirchhoff, and grandson Jess Kirchhoff.  

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 10 A.M. at First Lutheran (North Branch) in Rural Avoca, NE.  The service will be livestreamed on the First Lutheran Youtube page. Casual dress is recommended; please wear your overalls, case international, or farm attire. 

Burial will be at First Lutheran Cemetery (North Branch).

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 12, from 1:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. with the family greeting friends from 4 until 6 P.M. at the funeral home in Syracuse, NE. 

In lieu of flowers memorial suggested to the Syracuse Rescue Squad and Fire Department.   

Arrangements By: Fusselman-Allen-Harvey Funeral Home, Syracuse, NE 402-269-2441