Remembering John William Wells: A Harlan Lifelong Legacy
John William Wells, a cherished Harlan resident, left an indelible mark on the community before passing away at 64. From his early days at St. Paul’s to running local businesses, his diverse legacy touched many. Discover more about his journey and impact.

John William Wells, a lifelong resident of Harlan, Iowa, passed away on January 7, 2025, at the age of 64. Born on May 14, 1960, he was raised by his parents, Lila and John Jerome Wells. John attended St. Paul’s Catholic School before graduating from Harlan Community High School in 1978.
John had a diverse career, starting at the Dubuque Packing House and later working as a welder at Deba and Petersen Manufacturing. He also indulged his passion for motorcycles, operating Custom Cycle and Small Engines in Denison and launching Defiance Small Engines to repair mowers for the community.
He is survived by his four children: John, Dillon, Crystal, and Angelina, along with his brother, Bob, and several close friends and relatives. A memorial service was held on January 22, 2024, at Faith Family Church in Harlan, officiated by Rev. Jeff Erlemeier.
For more details on John Wells' life and contributions, visit the full obituary on our website. Explore the original article here.