HARLEY HANDEL

Harley Handel passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on April 18, 2018. Harley was born to his parents Emil Handel and Lenore Mettler Handel on January 27, 1947. Harley spent all his youth and adult life in Lodi. He attended Victor Grammar School and in 1964 graduated from Lodi High School.

Harley went on to get his CDL certification and took up employment with Lodi Unified School District in 1968 as a school bus driver, driving bus #41. In 1974, Harley decided to buy 1 of 2 Kenworth Diesel Trucks and become selfemployed and started his business in the trucking industry with Handel Trucking.

Harley’s two grandfather’s Gottlieb Mettler and Emanuel Handel were both first generation farmers in the Victor area. Emil, Harley’s father then became the second generation farmer and started the Handel Ranch. While still driving a truck Harley would help his father with some of the ranch operations. Upon the death of his father in 1987 Harley then took charge of overseeing the ranch, however in 1994 Harley decided to sell his truck and business and dedicate all his time to running the Handel Ranch, making him a third generation farmer.

Harley enjoyed being at his home and on the ranch. His favorite place to be was in his beloved shop. Harley was a great mechanic and did most of his own repairs and maintenance for the farm equipment and family cars. Harley has always had a passion for a nice car or truck with a great motor and speed. In his high school days his shop was the hangout for him and his buddies. They would spend hours in the shop working on how they could rev up the engines and get more speed.

Harley was a former member of the Lodi Corvette club and was a current member of both the Elks of Lodi and Stockton Yacht Club. He enjoyed dinners at the Elks Lodge and the day cruises with the yacht club. He found a great deal of pleasure cruising his vessel Lobo Dos on the Delta with his wife, Ida, whom he married on December 2, 1983. Harley also was a big dog lover and over the years had many great dogs whom he loved dearly Harley found great pleasure to start up one of two favorite farm toy’s, his John Deere tractor or Mule and cruise his beautiful property while taking the dog or dogs of the time on a run.

Proceeded in death by his parents and his brother, Darrel. Harley is survived by his wife, Ida Handel of Lodi, Ca, daughter Amber Lee of Winnemucca, NV, step daughters Diana Ware of Portland, OR, Krista Wilson of Eureka, CA, and seven grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, May 12th, at 1 p.m. at the Handel Ranch; 16696 N. Locust Tree Rd. Lodi, 95240. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of San Joaquin, or P.A.L.S.

Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/guestbook.