John David Harlan

John David Harlan, 82, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully at the Des Moines Veteran’s Administration Community Living Center on December 13, 2025.  John was born on January 22, 1943, in Newton, Iowa.  He grew up on a farm with his parents, Ellis and Julia (Blount) Harlan, grandfather, Samuel Blount, and his two sisters, Mary and Jane.

John shared many stories about growing up on a farm, including arduous early morning chores, attending a one room schoolhouse, and his Yorkshire pig, Bricks.  His experiences inspired him to recently pen a novella as well as a humor piece about Iowa dirt, which garnered him local and national recognition by the Veteran’s Administration.

John graduated from Newton High School in 1961 and was a National Merit Scholar.  He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Grinnell College.  He often reminisced about his unique experiences at Grinnell and was proud of his liberal arts education.  He attended his 60-year college reunion this past summer.

After college, John was a lieutenant and intelligence officer in the United States Navy.  He married in 1967 and was stationed at Naval Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California.  He served on the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk and completed two tours in Vietnam.  While in California, John earned a master's degree in public administration from California State University, Fullerton and had three children, John II, Nicole, and Elena.

In 1980, John moved to Colorado with his family where he was actively involved in the Democratic Party and hosted meet and greets at his home for gubernatorial candidates, including a future Colorado governor.  In 1987, he returned to his Iowa roots and joined the Iowa National Guard.  In 1991, he married the love of his life and best friend, Cynthia Harlan (Haas). 

John was an innovator and entrepreneur. He worked in sales and as an executive manager, founded his own businesses, and consulted on support for early technology platforms at large corporate and government organizations. With this rich collection of professional and life experience under his belt, he embarked on what was perhaps his most rewarding endeavor: college professor.  John taught economics and business management at several local Iowa colleges where he received multiple excellence in teaching awards.  He had a positive influence on students who were just starting out, wanted a career change, or were striving to make a better path for themselves.  

John displayed an unwavering loyalty to his wife, children, and grandchildren.  He was a valued advisor and confidant to those who needed it the most.  Family members, friends, and students sought guidance from him for a variety of issues because they knew he would always lend a listening ear, without judgment, and offer advice that was both practical and meaningful.

John was an avid reader, was politically active, and had many interests including writing, analyzing financial markets, playing chess, doing fitness, and studying ancient Greek.  John never met a stranger and enjoyed meaningful one-on-one conversations that could last hours.  His intellectual, quick-witted nature and knack for debate often made for riveting discussions.  

John is survived by his wife, Cynthia, his children and stepchildren, John II (Mi Suk), Nicole (Luis), Elena (Scott), Frances, and Joe (Melissa), his grandchildren, Sarah, Anne, Xabier, Merrick, Julia, Gannon, Korbyn, and Charlie, as well as several nieces and nephews.  John is preceded in death by his parents and sisters.  

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, to please consider donating to John’s church, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (https://www.stlukes-dsm.org) or an organization that he supported, the Public Broadcasting Service (https://www.pbs.org).