Alex Sargent Harlan

Alex Sargent Harlan, thirty years old and a resident of Franklin, WI, was freed from his body January 20, 2019 after battling a respiratory illness; exactly thirty years, to the day, after coming home from the neonatal ICU. Alex had his parents at his side. Alex was born August 8, 1988 at St. Joseph’s hospital in Milwaukee, WI to his parents Beverly K. Sargent and Roger E. Harlan. Weighing only 530 grams at birth created a few hurdles in Alex’s life, but he continually surprised us all by his ability to overcome them. A 2007 graduate of Franklin High School, he thrived on traveling both local and long distance. Alex loved listening to music and had a talent for memorizing it quickly. He enjoyed being the sous chef in the kitchen but would never turn down an opportunity to visit a restaurant, especially if soup was on the menu. He was always patient in supervising his father’s attempts at being a handyman, never complaining and frequently laughing. His smile, laughter and excitement for life were infectious. His tenacity and strength when challenged were remarkable. He offered us all great wisdom through his resilience and unwavering ability to be “OK” no matter the life situation he found himself in.Preceded in death by his paternal grandparents (Walter & Elma Harlan), maternal grandmother (Emma Sargent), & uncles (John Sargent, Walter & Lyle Harlan). Survived by his mother and father, older brother Erik (Priscilla) Harlan, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Celebration of Life service will be on February 9 at 3:00 p.m. officiated by Pastor Brad VanFossen at Max A. Sass & Sons Funeral Home, 8910 W. Drexel Ave. Franklin, WI 53132. Visitation will precede the service on February 9, 2019 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Special thanks to the caring staff at St. Luke’s South Shore hospital ICU. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Alex Sargent Harlan Memorial Fund c/o UW Credit Union PO Box 44963 Madison, WI 53744-4963 or at any UW Credit Union. These funds will be used to directly support individuals and families in similar life circumstances.