Harlan Lemon
March 20, 2012
Harlan Leo Lemon, 77, died peacefully of congestive heart failure Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at Bishop Drumm Care Center. Visitation will take place from 5 to7 p.m. Thursday, March 22, 2012, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, and funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 23, at his church, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 3820 SW 9th Street.
Harlan was born July 27, 1934, in Webster City, IA. He graduated from State Center Cons. High School, attended Grinnell College and Iowa State University, and received a B.A. in Philosophy and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Iowa. He served in the United States Air Force. Professionally, Harlan worked with three private practices, served as the Buchanan County Attorney, was director of Law Enforcement with the Iowa Liquor Control Commission, worked for Legal Aid Society of Polk County and was a Judicial Magistrate in Polk County. Much of his career (1979 – retirement in 2003) he served as an Assistant Polk County Attorney. He later worked as a mediator. Harlan was an avid golfer and Hawkeye fan. He loved music and had a great sense of humor. He especially loved spending time with his family.
Harlan is survived by his wife, Helen Randall-Lemon of Des Moines, daughter Lori (Glenn) Kistenmacher of Des Moines, daughter Lisa Lemon of Largo, FLA, son Mark Lemon of Port Orchard, WA, daughter Amanda (Aaron) Nuzum of Des Moines, sister-in-law, Jean Lemon, of Temecula, CA, nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, his wife’s siblings, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Zachary Lemon, his brother, Richard Lemon, his parents, Buryl and Martha Lemon, his step-mother, Elaine Lemon, and a brother-in-law, Dave Randall.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Ruby Van Meter School for special needs in Des Moines or his church.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Doris Lemon Anderson & Family
03/25/2012
I heard from Sue. So sorry for your loss.
Karen Sue & Bill Houghton & family
03/23/2012
Our condolences to the family; but, especially to Lori.
Lori, we were so sorry to read in this morning's newspaper of the passing of your dad. I know I speak for all the Girl Scouts in Troop 111, in conveying our best wishes and prayers.
We remember the tiny young girl with the big mastiff who would walk down to our house on summer evenings. The girl who worked so hard to sell Girl Scout cookies and earn her way to camp. The young woman who always had a smile and a good word for everyone.
I still see Ann Sinnot every once in a while in a place I used to volunteer at. Rayleen Meeks we hear from at Christmas time when Jennifer comes home.
Jennifer has lived in Paris, France for the past 30 years. Billy is in Ann Arbor, MI. His older son started college this past fall. He has two boys.
Kathryn is in the N.E. and has a boy and a girl. Her daughter will start college next fall.
Bill and I are still "down the hill" and don't move as fast as we used to do.
I am so sorry for the occassion that brought you back into our thoughts. The years I spent with Troop 111 are some of my very best memories. I loved each and everyone of you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless.
Karen Sue and Bill Houghton & family
Elton Family
03/23/2012
As I read the obituary for Mr. Lemon, I was truly impressed by the outstanding and full life he lived. Never-the-less, 77 years of life is still much too short. How thankful we are that our grand Creator, Jehovah plans to restore his original purpose and make it possible for all mankind (including our loved ones we have lost in death) to live forever under perfect conditions. (Matthew 6:10; Job 14:14 & 15). Please accept our condolences as you deal with the loss of Mr. Lemon and contemplate the hope of seeing him once again.
Joe Weeg
03/23/2012
Dear family:
I am overseas -- but sent this message today to my family and friends. I share it with you in the hope that it will give you some joy.
Joe Weeg
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Harlan Lemon will be buried today.
Most of you have never heard of him. He was 77 years old when he died and he lived a quiet life. But he was a county attorney in a small county in Iowa, many years ago, when I did not know him; and held several other high-flying legal positions in a time before me. But, around 1979, he became an Assistant Polk County Attorney in Des Moines. Through most of my career, he was the old man in charge of the Simple Misdemeanor Docket for the County Attorney's Office.
The simple misdemeanor docket is anything but "simple." It is the last legal bastion where criminal lawyers are gunslingers in the O.K. Corral. In the simple misdemeanor courtroom, no one knows what a witness, victim, or defendant is going to say on the stand -- no one knows who will actually show up -- and the prosecutor's preparation for trial is about 10 minutes. Assaults, trespass, disorderly conduct, interference with official acts, driving violations, public intoxication, minor in possession. You name it -- there's a simple misdemeanor violation. And the prosecutor has to make it up on the fly. It requires tremendous legal nimbleness and tremendous people skills. It's like Court TV at its best. It's amazing.
And Harlan was the pro. Thousands of victims and defendants flowed before him over the years. Each one was met by Harlan with grace and calm. As the courtroom would explode around him, as witnesses would go south, as police would suddenly forget their own name let alone the identity of the defendant, Harlan would quietly and competently take care of business. I funneled all the young law students to him in my job as an intern coordinator. I wanted him to be an antidote to the aggressive style of lawyering taught in the law schools. I wanted them to see the power and effectiveness of a lawyer who practiced nonviolence and fairness-to-all in the courtroom. Harlan did not disappoint. His style was modeled to hundreds of lawyers now practicing in Iowa -- a style I'd call Wyatt Earp crossed with Gandhi. Indomitable.
When I think about it, Harlan had a father's face -- lined, thoughtful, a transparent smile and laugh, but a steely backbone. His square, strong body was a comfort to be around. I would sometimes peek into his office when his son Zach was visiting. I couldn't tell which one loved the other more. With the not unexpected death of Zach, many of us feared for Harlan. But Harlan quietly and competently continued his life and made a new career as a mediator. That darn old man again modeling for the rest of us a calm resilience in the face of tragedy.
Perhaps his easy laughter will be the echo for me. I can see him in his office on the second floor, which he shared with his dear secretary and fierce protector, Mary Miller, as he argued with me about a point of law -- but inevitably bursting into a giggle. His hand would go up to cover his giggle, which would be rapidly turning into a full-throated laugh. And as the laugh burst out, I would feel his joy. He will be missed.
Joe
Michael McMurry
03/22/2012
To the memory of a very good man and excellent lawyer.
David and Ann Stein
03/21/2012
Our family has fond memories of your family traveling to Okoboji. We always enjoyed your yearly trips and going out to eat with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I am sure Harlan and Zach are up in heaven reminiscing about the Queen and Okoboji!
Love, David and Ann Stein and kids
Sara Duhrkopf
03/21/2012
For the Lemon famiy - my deep sympathies on your loss; I've known Helen and Harlan for many years and always enjoyed Harlan's ready smile and warm greeting! He will be sorely missed by so many! May the love and support of your family, and extended family provide you comfort and strength as you find your way through these next days and weeks! Sara Duhrkopf