Harley Lampman

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Harley Lampman, 87, of Eagle Rock, Missouri, passed away October 29, 2026, at Circle of Life Hospice Center in Springdale, AR, following four months of hospitalization and declining health.

Born November 8, 1938, in Spring Green, Wisconsin, to Maurice and Frances Lampman, Harley learned early the importance of work, responsibility, and caring for family. His father delivered fuel supplies to area farmers. After his mother suffered a debilitating stroke while in her 30s, Harley assumed responsibilities at home beyond those ordinarily expected of a child. His devotion to her continued throughout her life.

Music became another lasting part of his life. He played saxophone in the marching band in Spring Green, where he also met the love of his life, Mary Schmid. They married at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Loretto, Wisconsin, on December 22, 1960, beginning a partnership that carried them through new communities, career opportunities, and the raising of their son, Dean.

Following high school, Harley served in the U.S. Army in Germany, where he also played saxophone in the Army Band. His love of music, particularly jazz, stayed with him throughout his life, and he later taught Dean to play the saxophone.

With an outgoing personality and a strong voice, Harley found a natural home in radio. He began as a disc jockey at KLGR in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. During his Minnesota years, he attended the Brown Institute and celebrated the birth of his son.

The family later moved to Dubuque, Iowa, where Harley worked on the air at KDTH before moving into radio sales. He flourished in that work and became the station’s sales manager. In 1974, when KDTH’s owner, the Telegraph-Herald Corporation, acquired KLMS in Lincoln, Nebraska, Harley was promoted to general manager.

At KLMS, he helped the popular AM station increase its profitability while supporting its talented news department and on-air staff. When the company later acquired KFMQ, he also oversaw the growth of that album-oriented rock station. His approach to leadership was straightforward: bring in talented people, encourage them, and give them room to do their work. He knew when to push, when to offer support, and when to stay out of the way. During his years with the company, he also earned a professional certificate in managerial leadership from Harvard.

After decades with the Telegraph-Herald Corporation, Harley entered radio ownership. He partnered with Frank Newell to purchase KJMO in Jefferson City, Missouri, and later joined Lee Thomas and other investors in purchasing a Lincoln station that became KLDZ, featuring an oldies format.

In the later years of his career, Harley represented companies that produced music and jingles for radio commercials. Working from Eagle Rock, he traveled to stations across the country, enjoying the opportunity to connect with people and help businesses meet their marketing needs.

Harley also put his energy and salesmanship to work for his communities. He was active in civic and community organizations, including the Salvation Army and Sertoma, and took prominent leadership roles in nonprofit fundraising campaigns.

At home, he loved the property he and Mary shared overlooking Table Rock Lake. Boat outings with family and friends brought him many happy hours. He enjoyed old cars, reading—especially historical biographies—and sharing music and travel with his family.

As a father, Harley modeled hard work, high standards, and the determination to provide for his family. He encouraged Dean’s accomplishments and challenged him when he needed it. His son remembers with gratitude the music, travels, growing faith, and love of country Harley shared with him—and the freedom and encouragement to find his own way.

Harley is survived by his wife, Mary Lampman, of Eagle Rock, Missouri; his son, Dean Lampman, and daughter-in-law, Michelle Lampman, of Flower Mound, Texas; his grandson, Zachary Lampman, and Zachary’s wife, Erica Lampman, of Corinth, Texas; and his brother-in-law and sisters-in-law: Betty Woldt of Waterloo, Wisconsin, Berniece Burright and her husband, Mark, of Mesa, Arizona, Doris Laufenberg of Madison, Wisconsin, Joanne Neuheisel and her husband, Bob, of Plain, WI, and Dan Schmid and his wife, Gloria, of Dodgeville, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Larry Lampman, of Newton, Kansas.

Memorial services with military honors will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville, Missouri. Brother Tony Ball will conduct the services. Private inurnment will be held at Lake Park Memorial Gardens in Shell Knob, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army Citadel Corps Community Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.