Eugene P. Juhl

Eugene P. Juhl was born on February 9, 1940, in Carroll, Iowa, to Walter and Violet (Paulsen) Juhl. Eugene spent his entire life on the family farm near Irwin. He began his education at Polk Township Country School, located across the road from his home. When a teacher could not be secured for the country school, he continued his education in Irwin. Eugene graduated from Irwin-Kirkman High School with the Class of 1958.

On February 24, 1959, Eugene enlisted in the United States Army. Through mutual friends in Harlan, he met Betty McKnabb, and the couple was united in marriage on December 12, 1959. During his military service, Eugene and Betty lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, before being stationed in Germany. He served honorably until his discharge on April 5, 1962. Following his military service, the couple returned home, where they made their life together and were blessed with three children.

Farming was Eugene's life's work and passion. He farmed his entire life, raising hogs and cattle alongside his family. He especially enjoyed farming with his sons and took great pride in the operation they built together. Eugene cared deeply for the land and was committed to being a good steward of his farm, finding great satisfaction in passing it on to the next generation.

Eugene was known as a hardworking, quiet man who was deeply loyal to Betty and his family. He had a bit of an ornery streak and enjoyed playing cards with Betty, neighbors, and friends. He faithfully attended his children's school activities and enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing. An avid reader, Eugene especially enjoyed farming magazines and military history books. He quickly adapted to new technology and became quite proficient with his iPad. He also developed a strong interest in family history and genealogy, spending many hours researching and preserving family stories.

Throughout his life, Eugene was dedicated to serving his community. He served on the Farmer's Mutual Telephone Board, as a Polk Township Trustee, on the Irwin-Kirkman School Board, and on the Irwin Community Building Committee. He was also a past member of the Pork Producers and was honored with the Pork Producer of the Year Award.

Eugene passed away on May 31, 2026, having attained the age of 86 years, 3 months, and 22 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Violet Juhl; brother, Merlin (Elaine) Juhl; brother-in-law, Oseas Barnedo; sisters-in-law, Carolyn Schroeder and Inez Dreager; and brothers-in-law, Paul Schroeder, Bernard Klindt, and Norman Nielsen.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Juhl of Harlan; children: Kim (Myron) Daringer of Ames, Iowa; Kelly (Julie) Juhl of Harlan; and Kenny (Cindy) Juhl of Irwin; grandchildren: Sara (Eric) Arnold, Michael Daringer, Lisa (Jalen) Raymond, Jarod (Morgan) Juhl, Adam Juhl, Kyle (Jordyn) Juhl, Emily Juhl, Amelia Juhl, and Elise Juhl (fiancé Joe Devine); great-grandchildren: Clayton and Levi Arnold, Hudson Raymond, Campbell and Colbie Juhl; sister, Mary Ann Barnedo of Hanford, California; sister-in-law, Mildred Nielsen of Harlan; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Heartland Funeral Home in Harlan. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home in Harlan. Military honors will be held in the Harlan Cemetery.