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The Greatest Generation lost one of its shining lights on Sept. 21, 2026.
Harlan Broberg was a man who embodied the values of integrity, hard work, sacrifice, love of family, humility, dignity and courage. He blessed this earth and all who knew him for 99 remarkable years.
Born in South Dakota in 1927, Harlan grew up in Storm Lake enjoying the joys of small-town life. He began working at age eight with a paper route, which he completed with pride and perfection. He also mowed lawns early in life and took great pride in maintaining his own yard well into his 90s. A good student, he was active in school, participated in band, acted in plays and served as captain of the track team.
Harlan attended the University of Iowa, where he became a proud brother of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. It was here that he earned the nickname “Buck” and built lifetime friendships with his fraternity brothers, remaining in close contact with many of them over the decades. His college years were briefly interrupted in 1945 when he answered the call to serve his country in World War II. Joining the U.S. Navy, he was sent to Cornell University for officer training. The war ended shortly thereafter, allowing him to return to the University of Iowa, where he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in commerce.
Harlan married his high school sweetheart, Joelle Hansen, in 1950. Together, they raised a family and enjoyed over 40 happy years. Harlan worked for Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids and moved to Richardson, Texas, in 1959 as part of a significant migration to open a new Collins facility. Collins was later absorbed into Rockwell International. Harlan was a skilled manager and contract negotiator, often working with the government and holding a top security clearance. He approached negotiations positively, knowing that while no one gets everything they want, everyone should walk away with something.
He loved his family and pioneered a model of work-life balance. He was home every evening and weekend. Although he sometimes had to return to work, he did so after the children were in bed, ensuring they never knew. It has been said, “the best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” There was never any doubt that Harlan adored Joelle; she was the queen of their home. He fostered a love for camping, sailing and swimming, as well as a deep appreciation for country and personal development in his sons. He taught essential life skills, both practical and philosophical.
An eternal optimist, he was the model of a perfect gentleman — gracious without being stuffy. He also possessed a great sense of fun, singing silly songs without self-consciousness and mastering top-quality puns long before the term “dad jokes” became popular. He exemplified thrift and hard work, living by the mantra “use it up, wear it out, make it do,” while genuinely enjoying each day and finding joy in simple things.
In 1988, Harlan and Joelle moved to Austin, taking early retirement to be near family. During Joelle’s battle with cancer in her final year, Harlan was a staunch advocate, chronicler of complex data and loving supporter. After her passing, he felt lost but eventually met Brenda, which marked a new beginning for him. Brenda honored the memories and family that Harlan and Joelle built with complete respect and sensitivity.
Married for over 33 years, Harlan and Brenda embraced their blended family without hesitation. He claimed her family as his own, and she embraced his. Together, they traveled and created wonderful memories in their golden years, celebrating the birth of their great-grandchildren. Christmas at Papa and Gammy’s house became an annual tradition that spanned four generations.
Harlan was a man of deep faith, actively participating in church in various roles — whether using his administrative skills on committees or teaching Sunday school classes. Although his Sunday dinner prayers were eloquent and emotional, his faith was typically expressed through actions rather than words. Yet, the message was always clear, and growing up in his presence allowed his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to embrace the image of God as a patient and loving father.
Universally loved by all who knew him, he had a unique ability to make each person feel as though they were the only one in the room who mattered. This was not an act; he was genuinely interested in others and always saw the best in them. He was the kindest man most had ever met, exceptionally grateful for every blessing and interaction, never failing to voice his gratitude.
Harlan is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Dellmae Broberg; sister Zoe L. Pinkston; nephew Jim Pinkston; and his first wife, Joelle Broberg.
He is survived by his wife Brenda; sons, Dr. Peter (Diane) Broberg and Dr. Scott (Donna) Broberg; stepson Dr. Tom (Cheri) Sullivan; grandchildren: Laura Broberg Briones, Dr. Eric (Brooke) Broberg, Hannah (Sean) Burnett, Abby (Kurt) Mooney, Dr. Danny (Karishma) Broberg, Owen Sullivan and Carly Sullivan; great-grandchildren: Ava Briones, Leah Briones, Campbell Broberg, Quinn Broberg, Liam Broberg, Madeline Burnett, Landon Burnett, Everett Mooney, Marian Mooney and Arjun Broberg; nephews, Bill (Anita) Pinkston and Bob Pinkston.
As his final act of love, Harlan donated his body to the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio to aid future doctors in understanding anatomy. Harlan will be cremated, and a celebration of life and final service will be held by the family at a later date.
