Harlan Leigh Linsley

Obituary - Harlan Linsley, PhD

Harlan Leigh Linsley, PhD, CPT ret., son of Harlan and Florence Linsley, passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on March 4, 2026. He was a lifelong academic, educator, and devoted friend and godparent, who lived a life defined by curiosity, loyalty, and a quiet generosity to those closest to him.

Harlan spent his early years in Oskaloosa, Iowa, where he spent much of his time on the family farm. Throughout his life, he remained close with his cousin Larry, as well as Larry's children, Elie and Roberta. Over the years, Harlan took several memorable trips back to Oskaloosa to reconnect with his roots and honor his family history.

His enduring pursuit of scholarship began at Iowa State University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in psychology, becoming a member of The National Honorary Society in Psychology, Psi Chi, in recognition of his academic achievements. Active in his campus community, Harlan joined the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and participated in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), receiving his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Field Artillery Branch upon graduation.

While serving in the United States Army Reserves, Harlan went on to advance his education at Purdue University, earning his Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. After graduating, Harlan entered active duty service within the United States Army, serving two years and contributing to research at Edgewood Arsenal.

After six years of military service, Harlan began teaching at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in the Department of Psychology, where he took great pride in helping students develop their understanding of human behavior. Over his 33 years of dedicated service to the institution, Harlan gained a reputation as a respected and accomplished scholar, a thoughtful teacher, and a mentor who guided students with kindness and professionalism.

Harlan's work with students and his time at UWO began one of his most meaningful and lasting friendships. In 1972, David Willeford enrolled in one of Harlan's psychology courses and, what began as an interaction in the college classroom, grew over time into a lifelong friendship catalyzed by their shared interests and defined by their mutual respect. Over the more than 54 years of their friendship, their bond turned into that of family, and Harlan eventually built his home next door to David and his wife, Karla, and David's brother Mike Willeford, remaining a steadfast and supportive presence in their lives for decades.

Harlan played a significant role in the lives of Mike's children, Mike Jr., Rob, John, and Hanna, and became godfather to David and Karla's daughters, Nikita and Erica, becoming their "uncle" and, later, "great-uncle" to Erica's son, James. To Nikita and Erica, Harlan exemplified the values of scholarship, accomplishment, and service, and inspired them through his guidance and encouragement to pursue careers in the military and academia. Both goddaughters went on to serve in the United States Army and went on to earn master's degrees. Nikita is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy and is dedicating her forthcoming dissertation to Harlan.

In his personal life, Harlan pursued his interests with remarkable assiduity and dedication. He had a deep love of astronomy, and he could often be found in the neighborhood with one of his many telescopes pointed toward the night sky. Harlan also enjoyed camping and traveling, and spent many memorable moments with his friends around the campfire and on annual fall trips to northern Wisconsin, all of which he captured on film, being an avid photographer. Archived in the many photos Harlan took was his special bond with Robby, his beloved collie, who filled Harlan's life with joy and purpose, and became much more than simply a pet, but Harlan's best friend. These many monuments to Harlan's memories sit in carefully accumulated clusters around his house, as reminders of a life well-lived and testaments to friendships loyally cultivated.

Above all, Harlan will be remembered as a steadfast friend, a devoted godfather, a dedicated teacher, and a lifelong scholar whose presence enriched the lives of those fortunate enough to know him. His kindness, intelligence, and steady companionship will be greatly missed. As Harlan would say, "Live long and prosper."

A memorial service will be held for Harlan on March 15th at 3:00 p.m. CT at the Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home, located at 100 Lake Pointe Drive, Oshkosh, WI. Following the service, a reception will be held at the Willeford residence.