George H. Harbaugh
George Henry Harbaugh, 74, of Guttenberg, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 22, 2023, at the Guttenberg Care Center.
Visitation was Monday, May 29, at Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg and before services at the church.
Funeral services were Tuesday, May 30, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Guttenberg, conducted by Pastor Michael Ashman.
Burial was in Guttenberg City Cemetery.
George was born in Guttenberg on Oct. 16, 1948, the son of George Joseph and Lois (Buechel) Harbaugh, the eldest of four children. George attended school at Guttenberg. On April 16, 1966, he married Mary Lou E. Hinzman at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garnavillo. George graduated from Guttenberg in May of that year, and they began their journey together.
George and Mary Lou began farming on the home farm along the Little Turkey, near Graham, then moved to Osterdock to raise their children, teaching them to ride horses, milk cows, drive tractors, sort pigs, and throw bales. George was dedicated to the family farm and raising his children there. In the next chapter of their life, George and Mary Lou owned and operated Osterdock Junction and Mary Lou’s Cafe. They also teamed up to drive semi for a period of time. Unfortunately, Parkinson’s Disease forced George to retire earlier than expected, perhaps the Lord’s way of slowing him down.
After settling into retirement, George was able to spend time watching his grandchildren compete in sporting events, something he thoroughly enjoyed. He also loved tuning into March Madness to cheer on the Iowa men’s and women’s basketball teams. George enjoyed playing cards, talking about tractors, and catching up with old and new friends. He always had a story to tell. More than anything, he loved his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was filled with pride for them, always sharing stories about them with others, and looking forward to their next visit.
“Papa” will be greatly missed by his five children, JoLynn (Aaron) Moore, Tim (Peg) Harbaugh, Chad (Kari) Harbaugh, Missy (Jerel) Holohan and Darren (Angie) Harbaugh; 19 grandchildren, Jace, Abrianna, and JayLyn Moore, Madeline, Eli, Kate, and William Harbaugh, Kohle Helle, Calista, Braydn and Oakley Harbaugh, Marshall Birch, Shayla, Blair, Emmet, and Declan Holohan, Ella, Sophie, and Hudson Harbaugh; siblings, Linda (Dwight) Hansel, Denise (Dave) Hoeg; half-brother, Adam Harbaugh, and brother-in-law, Harv Bolsinger, along with many other family and friends.
George was preceded in death by his wife; his son, Randy; sister, Debra (Harbaugh) Bolsinger, and his parents.
The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice and the many nurses, CNAs, and volunteers at The Guttenberg Care Center for the care they provided during his journey.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Guttenberg or Parkinson’s Awareness of Clayton County (PACC) in his honor.
Information is available at www.morrisfuneralhomes.com. Memorials may be sent to Morris Funeral Home (in care of the deceased), 207 S. First St., Guttenberg, IA 52052.