Harlin Walter Reese, 96, of Goodhue, formerly of Oradell, New Jersey, died Friday, October 9, 2026 at Goodhue Living Community.
He was born March 18, 1930 in Goodhue to Arthur and Amanda (Lohmeyer) Reese. He grew up in Goodhue and graduated from Goodhue High School in 1947. After graduation he attended Dunwoody Institute where he learned a trade. He went onto become a very skilled carpenter and woodworker. He enlisted in the U.S. Army where in was stationed in New Jersey. While there, he met his wife Dorothy and the couple was married in 1955. After a brief stay in Goodhue, the couple returned to Oradell to raise their family.
Harlin owned and operated his own carpentry and cabinetry business over the years. He owned Wood Artisans and Norwood Kitchens for many years. He and his family loved playing cards. He had a sixth sense when it came to card games and he was a formidable Bridge and Pinochle player, as well a coveted Euchre partner. He loved farming – Goodhue was always close to his heart. He substituted his tractor for a John Deere ride-on lawnmower. In Oradell he satisfied his green thumb with an incredible garden.
Most of all Harlin loved his family. He was very proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and looked forward to family gatherings. He lived his faith. His prerogative was always whatever he could do to help others. He spent years raising funds and his own hammer to remodel and improve his home churches in both Paramus and Goodhue. His sense of humor and selfless nature made him a fantastic role model. He was an angel here on earth among friends and family.
He is survived by his daughters; Barbara (Ron) Radomski of Macungie, Pennsylvania, Deborah Vanzo of Manalapan, New Jersey, and Laurie (Jeff) Mason of River Edge, New Jersey; daughter-in-law, Kelly Reese of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; 8 grandchildren, Christopher (Dnaielle) Radomski, Kevin (Jordan) Vanzo, Sharon Radomski, Cheryl (Tim) Straut, Ryan (Claire) Mason, Kenny Mason, Trevor Reese, and Curtis Reese; and six great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by is wife Dorothy in 2005; son Robert Reese; 5 brothers, Arthur, Donald, Laverne, Hilbert, and John Reese; son-in-law, Peter Vanzo; his close friend Betty Johnson; and his parents.
A funeral service will be 12 p.m. noon at St. Lukes Lutheran Church in Goodhue with Rev. Eric Hanson officiating.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church. Following his services in Minnesota, services will be held at Church of the Savior Lutheran in Paramus, New Jersey and burial will be at George Washington Cemetery, also in Paramus. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com
