Harlan was born in Sioux City, Iowa on November 8, 1938, to William and Wilda, the first of four children.
After graduating from Coleridge High School in 1956, Harlan briefly traveled to Seattle where he worked as an electrician for the Boeing Corporation. Upon returning home to the Heartland, Harlan enlisted in the U.S. Army, proudly serving for two years, and playing the baritone in the Army Band. Proving that education was always of utmost importance to Harlan, he earned his Bachelor of Music and Master of Education degrees from Wayne State College. He started his teaching career as a band instructor at Coleridge Public Schools, quickly ascending to become Principal of Coleridge Junior/Senior High School. Despite his leadership duties and with a young family of four, soon to be five, at home, Harlan traveled by boat across the Missouri River in Vermillion, South Dakota to attend night, summer classes, and obtain his Specialist degree in Education Administration from the University of South Dakota. In 1978, Harlan and his family relocated to Hooper, so he could serve as Principal at Logan View Junior/Senior High School. He was promoted to Superintendent of Logan View Public Schools, a role he held for 14 years until his retirement in 2004. Harlan periodically returned to assist with interim administrative duties at Logan View school district and sat on the Board of the Education Service Unit which helps school districts throughout Dodge County with teacher education and school needs. Throughout his career at Logan View, Harlan took pride in attending the school's athletic events, consistently standing in the same spot, cheering the Raiders onto victory.
While working inside a music supply store in Wayne, Nebraska, Harlan used his quick wit and charm to impress Roma Reimers of Randolph, Nebraska as she was buying a pitch pipe. After dating for four months, the couple became engaged and married in November 1964 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Randolph. Through 58 years of marriage, the Schriebers welcomed five children, Mark, Mindy, Mia, Megan, and Marisa. Additionally, they fostered six children for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, saving the best for last when they welcomed Ada (Quintana) Samuelson into their family. The Schrieber house was always full of activity, music, and their beloved dogs.
An outstanding handyman, Harlan took great pride in his home, always showing his craftsmanship while working on projects, his garden, and his yard, one of the greenest of grasses in Hooper. He played in several golf leagues throughout the Omaha area, usually teeing up with his closest friends, many of whom were former school administrators. He was at his happiest babysitting his six grandchildren or watching them compete in music or athletics. A loyal supporter of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Harlan always knew how the Big Red performed in every sport. Under the direction of his favorite conductor, Roma, Harlan played the string bass and sang for church choirs at Redeemer Lutheran Church and First United Methodist Church in Fremont.
Harlan was preceded in death by his sister, Nondyce Young, her husband, Bill, his brother, Jack, his sister-in-law, Teri, and his daughter, Mindy.
Survivors include his wife, Roma, his children, Mark (Jody) of Lincoln, Mia of Omaha, Megan Beard (Brad) of Elkhorn, Marisa (Kevin Tomich) of Woodridge, Illinois, and Ada Samuelson (Jake) of Lincoln, his grandchildren, Sam, Beau and Max Beard of Elkhorn, Eva and Ian Schrieber of Lincoln, Nevada Samuelson of Lincoln, and his sister, Julie Mills (Mike) of Minneapolis, Minnesota as well as several cherished nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Harlan's life will be on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Fremont with a luncheon to follow. The visitation is Tuesday, July 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Fremont at Ludvigsen Mortuary. There will be a private family interment before the celebration of life service.
In lieu of flowers, the Schrieber family welcomes donations towards a future memorial at Logan View Public Schools, honoring Harlan's love and dedication to his students and his community.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(13)
Gwen Hines Seba
Cibolo, TX Sunday, July 16, 2023 Dear Schriebers, sending prayers and letting you know,as I am sure you know, the positive influence Harland had on my life. He was a true mentor and always encouraged me.God's peace.
Erik Wilde
Santee, CA Tuesday, July 11, 2023 I’m very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Schrieber. He and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.Kim Owens
Omaha, NE Tuesday, July 11, 2023 Thinking of the whole Schreiber family. A great man with a great family. So many memories. Hugs to you all. 💙💛Jenna
Fremont, NE Tuesday, July 11, 2023 U were the superintendent when I was in Jr high and high school rip and prayers to the familyPam (Milander) Goering
Platte Center, NE Tuesday, July 11, 2023 My prayers and sympathy to your family. I will always remember him teaching me to breathe correctly in horn lessons. I used that method many times! So proud of my musical upbringing! I credit you both for my starts to my music career in which I taught music for 26 years! I will always think very highly of you both! My condolences!Pam Jordan Rohde Randy
Columbus, NE Monday, July 10, 2023 Roma and family, Blessings to you and your family! We graduated from Coleridge in 71 and 70! Prayers to all , Pam and RandyRandy Peck
Sycamore, IL Monday, July 10, 2023 Harley was a wonderful man and I am proud to have had him for a friend! We had many really good times on the golf course even though the golf wasn’t always that good. Harley was a role model as well as very dear friend for me. RIP old friend!!David and Michelle Dam
Omaha, NE Monday, July 10, 2023 Schrieber Family,We have many great memories of Mr. Schrieber. Playing the bass in choir class, to his hiring and support of all the great teachers that impacted so many of us at Logan View. May God comfort you during this time.
David and Michelle Dam
Jim Luellen
Dillon, CO Sunday, July 9, 2023 Dear Roma and family,We were so sorry to read about Harlan's death. I remember being a first year band director in Hartington when Harlan was the band director in Coleridge. Harlan was a mentor before that concept was thought about in education. He helped a beginner get off to a good start that lasted 40 years as a band instructor.
Accept our heartfelt condolences as you face the future.
Jim and Diane Luellen
Margaret Hirschman Baier
Omaha, NE Sunday, July 9, 2023 You have my sympathy, graduating from Coleridge in 1958. I knew all the Schriebers. My mother would bring Wilda down to Harlan's home and then come to Omaha to visit us. Also Nondyce wasin my class. Harlan had a great influence on many students that he taught. Such a wonderful person to have known many years ago.
John Lortz
Omaha, NE Sunday, July 9, 2023 We were so saddened to hear of Harlan’s sickness and passing. Our prayers are with his entire family. I give complete credit for my love of music to Harlan and Roma who were my mentors in Coleridge. Harlan was a kind and patient teacher in guiding me on trumpet, and I cherish all the memories he gave me. And a special condolence to Roma who gave me a love for singing. Again, our prayers are with you.Bruce Linafelter
Loveland, CO Saturday, July 8, 2023 Roma - you probably won’t remember me, but I remember Harlan very well. As a young band director, he was always encouraging to me. (Maybe it was because I survived my last year of high school with Jack as my band director.) I think our paths last crossed when I taught a few years at Wisner-Pilger and we talked a few times. I know he touched countless lives having been in education so many years. Please accept my condolences on his passing.Kim Sallach (von Seggern)
Waco, TX Friday, July 7, 2023 I'm so sad to hear of his passing. He was such a great man and contributor with our school at LV and community. I had a lot of respect for him and his family growing up. Condolences to Roma and family. He will be missed.