Harlan E. Kestner

Harlan E. Kestner passed peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, aged 97 years. 

He was born in Wooster, Ohio, on June 5, 1927, to Michael J. and Anna (Weber) Kestner. 

Harlan graduated from Wooster High School prior to enrolling in the U.S. Army Air Corp in 1946 and attained the rank of Sergeant while stationed in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. He retired from the former Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation as a supervisor after 40 years of employment. 

Harlan married the late Betty L. (Harmon) Kestner on December 7, 1947, and they celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary prior to her passing in 2022. Harlan and Betty were members of Bethel United Church of Christ in Beloit following the family's move to the area in 1964. 

They enjoyed long, leisurely trips to the Hawai'ian Islands for 27 years. Harlan enjoyed acting as tour guide for the many family members and friends who traveled with them. 

Harlan’s favorite thing was his garden where he raised tomatoes and gave them to family and friends. His front yard was filled with dahlias, hibiscus, and cannas. 

Harlan was also an avid bowler and woodworker. 

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Evelyn Duell, Marlene O'Brien, and Melvin Kestner. 

Harlan is survived by children, Jim (Sandy) Kestner, Ron (Vickie) Kestner, Jeffrey (Jeffery Bazell) Kestner and Lynnette Toussant and grandchildren, Jayme (Ray) Poorbaugh, Tracy (Pat) Bennett, Michael (Emily Tomusko), Adam and Andrew (Elizabeth McSwiggen) Kestner, Josh (Andrea) and Nathan (Ashley) Toussant. Harlan's legacy also includes great-grandchildren Steffin, Darek, Walker, Noah, Emery, Alana, Kaiden, Brently, Mayzie, Audrey and David. 

Memorial contributions may be made in Harlan's name to Crossroads Hospice, 3743 Boettler Oaks Dr. Suite E, Uniontown, Ohio 44685.

A funeral service will be held at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home on Saturday, February 22nd at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior. 

Interment will be at Fairmount Memorial Park.