Harlin Heyd

Harlin John Heyd, first-born son of the late John and Natalie (Gieszler) Heyd was born April 14, 1936, in Long Lake, South Dakota. He was taken home by his Lord on August 14, 2025, with his loved ones by his side.

Harlin grew up in the farmlands of South Dakota, known as a good friend and fun to be with. Like so many others, his formal schooling ended in the eighth grade to work on the family farm. In 1966 when the family farm was wiped out by a tornado, Harlin moved to Pierre, South Dakota to live with good friend Arnold Schumacher and his family. It was here that he met his future wife, Arnold’s niece, Joanne Joan Becker.

Harlin and Joanne began their life together when they were married in Spokane on December 28, 1968. Harlin’s first job was with a sprinkler company, and he continued to be there for family and friends in need of sprinkler repairs long after he left the company. He went to work for the White Boot Company and worked there as a bootmaker for 30 years until his retirement.

Longing for children and losing Baby Heyd in 1970, Harlin and Joanne became foster parents for Tommy and then sisters Christine and Charity. Their prayers were finally answered in 1984 when they adopted infant Natalee Anne Heyd.

Harlin was a faithful member of St Peter Lutheran Church where he served as an usher, a board member, youth group helper and for many years preparing and serving breakfast to the needy in the neighborhood. When St Peter closed their doors, he became a member at St Luke Lutheran Church until his death. He has been a special part of all our lives and will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

Preceded in death by his wife, Joanne (Becker) Heyd in 1992, infant son Baby Heyd, and parents John and Natalie Heyd.

He is survived by his daughter, Natalee Anne Heyd of Spokane, WA, sisters Joy Schmitt and Jean Malsam of Aberdeen, South Dakota, brother Thomas Heyd of Roseville, Minnesota, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Carol and Bob Carroll of Chattaroy, WA, several nephews and nieces that include Carmen (Ron) Kendall of Otis Orchards, WA, Lisa (Rod) Price of Spokane, WA and Amy (Brent) Potts of Hayden, Idaho who grew up with Harlin as a surrogate father at times in their lives, and good friends David and Marlene Zacher.

Harlin’s service will be Thursday, 11:00am September 4, 2025, at St Luke Lutheran Church, N 9704 Division Street, Spokane, WA 99218 followed by a reception at the church and 2:30 burial at Spokane Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 5909 Cheney Spokane Road, Spokane, WA 99224.

Memorials may be made to St Luke Lutheran Church at PO Box 28948 Spokane, WA 99228 or the charity of your choice.