Harold L. Haberthur

A eulogy will be held at the Rock Island Memorial Park Cemetery Mausoleum, 4205 30th Street, Rock Island, at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 18, 2014. Friends and family are invited to share the celebration of his life at this time. Memorials may be made to Boy Scouts of America, ILLOWA Council/Saukenuk District, 4412 N. Brady Street, Davenport, Iowa 52806. Hodgson Funeral Home, Rock Island, is assisting the family.

Harold was born on July 29, 1913, ahead of his twin brother Raymond Haberthur, in Rock Island, IL to Linus Haberthur and Martha Guldner Haberthur. He was baptized at the Church of Peace Evangelical and Reform Church, Rock Island, in 1914 and was a lifetime member. He ran tack in high school and graduated from Rock Island High School in 1931.

Harold served in the U.S. Army Air Force as a Staff Sergeant from 1942 to 1945. Other than his time in the Service, Harold worked for Service Rubber Company his entire working life, retiring in 1975.

On June 26, 1948 he married Melba Annette Ekstrom. They purchased their home by the Rock River in 1950 and lived there until moving to Friendship Manor in 2008. Their home was their greatest enjoyment as they raised their two children and enjoyed the peacefulness of the Rock River. Harold was happiest when he was fishing, gardening, hunting or involved with Boy Scouts.

Harold was a charter member of the former Go-See-Go Hiking Club, member or the Blackhawk Hiking Club and 40+ year member of the Boy Scouts of America, from whom he received the Silver Beaver and Wood Badge Awards. He was also a founding member of the R.I. Conservation Club. He taught hunter safety in both Illinois and Iowa. He was a marshal for the Quad City Open Golf Tournament for many years.

He is survived by his spouse, Melba Haberthur, Rock Island, son, Randy (Susan) Haberthur, Des Moines, IA, daughter, Linda (Gareth) Roberts, Crested Butte, CO; granddaughters Erin Borst and Brittany Haberthur, Des Moines, IA, and twin grandsons Evan & Graham (Katie) Roberts, Boulder, CO, great grandchildren Kira and Tucker Borst, Sophia Haberthur, Benjamin Roberts.

He was preceded in death by his twin brother Ray Haberthur, brother Robert Haberthur, and sister Mabel Sherrard.