Harlan was born March 15, 1932 at Cavalier, ND to Herb and Florence (Steinbach) Schluchter. He grew up in the Cavalier area and graduated from Cavalier High School. On June 15, 1957, he married Margaret Hanna at the St. Thomas United Methodist Church in St. Thomas, ND. After their marriage they lived and farmed in the Cavalier area.
He is survived by his children: Mike Schluchter (Karen Lindenberger), Cavalier, ND and Peggy (Warren) Reimer, Flasher, ND, grandchildren: Summer Schluchter (Blaine), Sunny Schluchter (Alex), Heather Hoffman (Ryan), Travis (Ryan) Hoffman, Samantha Hoffman (Dave), Alexis (Tyler) Polensky, four great-grandchildren: Sheyanne, Greysen, Ruger, and Oliver, sister, Marlene (Donald) Saiger.
Preceding him in death were his parents, wife, Margaret, and brother, Dean.