Harlan Charles Diller's Obituary
Harlan C. Diller, 86, of Fort Wayne, passed away suddenly on Friday, April 10, 2026, at his residence. With great love and sorrow, we share the passing of Harlan Charles Diller, whose steady kindness and deep faith in Christ blessed all who knew him. Harlan, 86, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Fort Wayne on Friday, April 10, 2026. Born in Menomonie, Wisconsin, and raised on the Diller family farm in Boyceville, Harlan was the son of Charles and Irene (Schindler) Diller. He was the younger brother of Donna Livingston, Delores Dahl, and Ellen Adler, and the older brother of Victor Diller. His early years were shaped by the adventures and challenges of helping to run the family farm while attending the one-room Chimney Rock Grade School. He soon became known for his skill with machines and his aptitude for solving puzzles. At Boyceville High School, he advanced into upper-level math, enjoyed tutoring older students, and graduated as valedictorian. He was also a standout three-sport athlete in basketball, football, and track. In 1958, he boarded a train for Madison and entered the University of Wisconsin as an electrical engineering student, graduating with distinction on June 4, 1962. His first job was with Control Data Corporation in the Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul, MN.
In 1964, the grace and providence of the Lord brought Harlan to a Lutheran young adult’s fellowship in Minneapolis, where he met Jeanne Madeleine Meyers, an Asbury graduate and the daughter of a Methodist minister. They were married on September 4, 1965, at Central Methodist Church in Minneapolis by Madeleine’s father, Eugene K. Meyers. In 1966, they moved to Fort Wayne, where Harlan accepted a position with Magnavox Corporation and began applying his skills to Navy projects in acoustic signal processing. While working, he earned his master’s degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University in May 1974. He enjoyed a long career involving many different projects as Magnavox was acquired by Philips and later by Raytheon. He retired from Raytheon in 2006 after 40 years of service.
Outside of work, Harlan was a devoted husband and father who spent much of his time caring for his family. In addition to repairing cars and keeping up with the latest technological innovations, his hobbies included family games, Christian books and podcasts, and anything related to computers or science. The motivating center of Harlan’s life was a growing relationship with God. This lifelong pursuit was nurtured through daily time in study, worship, and prayer. He also faithfully supported many Christian missions and relief organizations. He and Madeleine have also been very active members of New Haven United Methodist Church for 60 years, singing in the choir, attending Bible study groups, and supporting the church in many ways. They have likewise been devoted participants in Indiana CFO, a summer family camp focused on prayer, worship, and growing deeper in relationship with Jesus Christ.
Harlan will be remembered for his smile, his laughter, and his delight in God’s intricate design of the world. Most of all, he will be remembered by family and friends for his gentle and generous spirit, his steady care, and his joy in the Lord.
He is survived by his wife, Madeleine; his children, Jennifer Knarr, Marcia Motter (Brian), and Kevin Diller (Gwen); his sister, Ellen Adler (the late Pete); his brother, Victor Diller (Judy); his grandchildren, Paul Motter, Marc Motter, Abby Motter, Charles Knarr, Rachel Wild (Camden), Sophia Diller, Naomi Diller, Andrew Diller, and Isaac Diller; his great-granddaughter, Millie Madeleine Wild; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Donna Livingston and Delores Dahl; and his nephew, Craig Dahl.A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at New Haven United Methodist Church, 630 Lincoln Hwy E., New Haven, IN, with calling from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service. Preferred memorials may be made to New Haven United Methodist Church.
What’s your fondest memory of Harlan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Harlan?
Share a story where Harlan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Harlan you’ll never forget.
How did Harlan make you smile?
