Howard Harpel

Lifelong Gibsonburg resident, Howard J. Harpel, 90, passed away at his home Sat. Feb. 13, 2016.

Born on Feb. 12, 1926 in Gibsonburg, he was a son of Clarence and Ada (Charlton) Harpel. After graduating from Gibsonburg High School in 1944, Howard served in the Navy during the final years of WW II, being honorably discharged in 1946. On Aug. 30, 1947, he married Ruth Ludwig at Faith United Methodist Church in Gibsonburg. Ruth died May 21, 1988.

Howard was well known in Gibsonburg for his involvement in the community. He was awarded a Life Membership for his service on the Gibsonburg Volunteer Fire Department. Howard worked for Gibsonburg Waterworks for 30 years until his retirement in 1986.

Surviving Howard are children Brenda Kallio of Grand Forks, ND, Marcia Watkins of Reno, NV and Joan (Tom) Kerbel of Gibsonburg; 8 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and sister Helen Egbert of Gibsonburg.

Howard is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ruth; and siblings, Robert Harpel, Ruth Kerr, Virginia Hilt, and Dorothy Bradner.

Visitation will be Tues., Feb. 16, 2-4 & 6-8 P.M., at the Herman-Veh Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Gibsonburg. Funeral Services will be Wed., Feb. 17, 10:30 A.M. with an additional hour of visitation beginning at 9:30 A.M. Rev. Glen Herman will officiate.

Burial with Military Rites provided by the Gibsonburg Post of the American Legion will be at West Union Cemetery, Gibsonburg.

Memorial donations may be made to Heartland Hospice of Fremont or to the Gibsonburg Volunteer Fire Dept.

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