Harlan J. Tyndall, 88, of Rapid City, SD and formerly of Alliance and Chadron, Ne passed away peacefully on Feb. 8th, 2024 surrounded by his loved ones in Rapid City, SD.
Harlan was born in Rosebud, SD on Feb. 15, 1935 to Jack and Dorothy Tyndall. Harlan joined his two older sisters Vurene and Vera in the home and later became the proud older brother to Jeanie. At the age of 7 Harlan moved with his family to Alliance, NE a place that he would call home for nearly 50 years of his life. Harlan graduated from Alliance High School in the spring of 1953.
Shortly after graduation Harlan married the love of his live Betty Barrett. Harlan and Betty exchanged vows on April 10, 1955 and have been married nearly 69 years. To that union had 3 children; Jim, Bobi Jo and Debi.
Harlan was a driven, passionate, and hard-working man who was an entrepreneur at heart and enjoyed seeking out new opportunities. Along the way Harlan worked for Safeway grocers from 1953-55, alongside his dad at “Jack Tyndall Plumbing”; from 1955-57, the BIA 1957-61, then in 1961 worked on the Missile Sights in Kimball, Ne. Harlan was a member of the Plumber’s Union Union, in 1964 he proudly became the first businessman to own a backhoe in Alliance, which opened up many opportunities that ultimately led him to buying his parent’s plumbing business, which then became “Tyndall Plumbing and Heating”. In 1982 Harlan and Betty closed their plumbing shop only to embark upon a new adventure, turning their building into a convenience Store, The Outpost, which they owned and operated until selling in 1991. Although, if you ask Harlan’s four grandkids it wasn’t so much a convenience store, but rather their personal candy, pop, and trading card shop, to which Grandpa could never tell them “No”. Harlan and Betty retired and moved to their own personal oasis “Lenders Lodge” just outside of Chardon State Park.
Harlan was civic minded and believed in giving back to the community, serving on various boards and committees over the years, including: the school Advisory Board, City Code Committee, President of Rotary Club, and President of the local Jay-Cees, and even ran for County Commissioners seat along the way.
Harlan had an adventurous side and decided he would like to try flying an airplane and enrolled. in pilot ground school. With his business kicking into high gear, he was unable to complete the course. Harlan also enjoyed golfing, their home away from home in Chadron State Park, and especially hunting with his son and friends for many years. Harlan and Betty enjoyed remodeling homes and over the course of 50 years the two of them bought, remodeled, and sold 29 homes, living in 5 of those at some time or another.
Harlan is survived by his wife Betty, son Jim of Rapid City, SD, daughters Bobi Jo Bailey (Dennis) of Alliance, NE and Debi Allen (Bob) of Piedmont, SD. Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren: Jeff Burback (Addalai and Brogan) of Sioux City, IA, Brian and Brittany Burback (Reagan and Rowan) of Buckeye, AZ, Dodi and Derek Megli (Reese and Rhett) of Alliance, NE and Holly and Antonio Vargas (Louie and Conrad) of Denver, CO, One sister Jeanie Gaspers, several special nieces and nephews, and special friend Bob Hardy. And not to be forgotten 3 Grand fur babies, Bubba, Molly and Jax.
Harlan was proceeded in death by his parents, Jack and Dorothy Tyndall, Sisters, Vurene Garcee and Vera Carter and her husband Larry Carter, father and mother-in-law Louie and Mildred Barrett, and sister-in-law Sally Walker and her husband Wayne.
Funeral Services will be held at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron, NE on February 16th with graveside services to follow-up at the Alliance cemetery in Alliance, NE.
Please dress casually. In-lieu of flowers donors’ choice of charity…