Earl James Devine

Earl James Devine of Harlan, Iowa, was born on January 7, 1946, to James and Velma (Bentz) Devine in Morris Illinois. Earl grew up on a farm south of Seneca Illinois where he graduated from St. Patrick’s Grade School and Seneca Township High School. After graduating high school, he studied at Bailey Technical Institute in St. Louis, Missouri. Growing up he was a member of FFA and 4-H, raising sheep, for which he earned top awards and trophies. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Seneca, Illinois.

His career as a mechanic allowed him to utilize his skills in various automotive, diesel, and marine shops working on cars, trucks, tractors, boats and tugs. As his career progressed, he transitioned to becoming a truck driver/mechanic for Ruan Transport, Ryder Trucking, International Harvester, Amoco Trucking, Erickson Transport, and Carpenter Liquid Transport. He earned many awards for safe driving for 1,5,10 + years, and was highly recommended by many of the customers he delivered product to.

On November 20, 1965, he married the love of his life, Linda Fencel, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Seneca, Illinois. Together, they shared a wonderful journey of 58 years, raising five children: Jeff, Rod, Maria, Theresa, and Les. Earl was immensely proud of his children and cherished the moments spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

As a Boy Scout leader he helped his sons and many other scouts achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. In his free time, he enjoyed lending a helping hand on the farm, supporting his family in all their activities, from Scouting, 4-H, FFA, sports and numerous school events. He also taught his daughters and grand-daughters how to drive, but they were not to leave the county!

He was an active member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa where he found solace and strength in his faith. Earl was a pillar of strength for his family; his warm, kind-hearted nature, strong work ethic, and dedication to his responsibilities were admirable traits that exemplified his character. He loved spending time with family and friends, sharing stories, and creating lasting memories.

Earl passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on November 27, 2023, at his home in Harlan attaining the age of 77 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Velma Devine; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; dear friends Jules Fortin, Tom Green, and Bill Mitchell.

He is survived by his loving and caring wife, Linda Devine; five children that he is very proud of, Jeff (Jessica) Devine, Rod (Sarah) Devine, Maria (Jack) Devine, Theresa (Kevin) Callaghan, and Les (Shane Fuchigami) Devine; 10 grandchildren: Hannah (Alan) Dickinson, Lydia (Eric) Holtz, Rebekah (Marcus) Dalton, Thomas Devine, Hailey (Anthony) Mare, Matt (Maggie) Devine, Joe Devine, Elizabeth Devine, Anthony Devine, and Kaley (Ben) Orloff; 6 great-grandchildren: Elliot and Laramie Holtz, Sulley, Guinevere and Rowena Dalton, and Morgan Orloff; brother, Ralph (Charla) Devine; brother-in law and sister-in-law, Sam and Shirley Harshbarger; sister-in-law, Rosemary Fencel; beloved cousin, Donna Ludden; dear friends: Ron and Ginnie Muenchrath, DeeDee Green, Diane Zelinko, Carol Mitchell, Gerry Barla, George Oswald, and Jack Keane; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, with the rosary at 9:00 a.m. and visitation to follow from 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. all at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Harlan. Inurnment will be held in the Pleasant Ridge Lincoln Township Cemetery west of Harlan. Donations can be sent to Hope Lodge - Omaha, NE or St. Jude Children's Hospital in Earl’s name/honor.