| Graduation Year | Class of 1962 |
| Date of Birth | Jun 08, 1944 |
| Date of Passing | Jul 15, 2024 |
| About | (no additional information) |
| Events | Ronald Lee Harshbarger Lake Wales, FL - Ronald (Ron) Harshbarger, of Lake Wales, Florida, a cherished husband, father, Bubba, and friend, left this world at the age of 80, on July 15, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 8, 1944, in Watertown, Wisconsin, Ron was the beloved son of Arlando Harshbarger and Bernice (Scheiber) Harshbarger Finley. A proud graduate of Watertown High School in 1962, Ron served in the United States Army from 1963 to 1966. His service took him to Fulda, Germany, where he met the love of his life, Elke. Upon completing his service, he reunited with Elke and her daughter Elvira in the United States, where they began their new life together. Ron and Elke were united in marriage on November 18, 1966, and he embraced the role of father to Elvira, raising her as his own. Together, Ron and Elke shared a journey of nearly 58 years filled with love, laughter, and devotion. In 1971, Ron embarked on a distinguished career as a firefighter with the Watertown Fire Department, where he dedicated 27 years of service, retiring as a respected Fire Inspector in 1998. Ron's zest for life was evident in his love for sports, puzzles, card games, bingo, fishing, and hunting. In 2016, Ron and Elke, along with their beloved dog Joey, moved to Florida, where they enjoyed their retirement years in the warm company of new friends and the golden sun. Ron leaves behind a legacy of love and is survived by his wife, Elke; brother, Dennis Harshbarger; sister, Raye Harshbarger and her husband Larry Mintzlaff; daughter, Elvira (Harshbarger) O'Donahue; grandchildren, Richie, Aaron, and Cassandra O'Donahue; two great-grandchildren, Oliver and Riley O'Donahue; and a close-knit family of nieces, nephews, and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents, parents-in-law, sister Mary Jo (Harshbarger) Gaudette, sister-in-law Mary (Lemacher) Harshbarger, and his precious dog, Joey. The Harshbarger family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Froedtert Hospital and Kathy's House for their compassionate care and support. A celebration of life will be held at Lindberg's by the River on Wednesday, September 4, from 1pm-3pm. |
