Wilbur J. Harrer

Wilbur J. Harrer, 93, passed away April 4, 2018, in Indianapolis. He was born July 18, 1924 in Greencastle, IN, to Alvin and Gladys (Robinson) Harrer. His mother passed away when he was ten months old and he was raised from age 4 to adulthood by his step-mother, the former Pearl Maze. He grew up on the family fruit and poultry farm in Owen County, IN, near Cataract Falls. He graduated from Quincy High School and attended Purdue University where he ran track and cross country - winning minor letters in both sports as a sophomore. His education was interrupted after two years when he joined the U.S. Navy in the summer of 1943. After serving three years he was released to inactive duty as an Ensign and Non-Pilot Air Navigator. Returning to Purdue he obtained a degree in Agriculture in 1949 and then came back to the family farm.

On July 20, 1952 he married Verla Rosalin Wood in Spencer, IN, in the Spencer United Methodist Church where they had met. Together they operated the farm for ten years. In 1961 they moved to Indianapolis with their two children, Julie and Steve, seeking better economic opportunities. Prior to the move Wilbur commuted to Indiana University in Bloomington for two years where he earned an MBA in Finance. After two years with the brokerage firm of Paine, Webber, Jackson and Burtis, he moved to Indiana National Bank (later INB) where he served until retiring in 1992 as Vice President and Trust Officer.

He stayed in the Naval Reserve and completed over 21 years of service before retiring in 1984 with the rank of Lieutenant. Wilbur loved nature and the outdoors. One of his fondest avocations was hiking the Appalachian Trail. Ultimately, he completed about 1400 miles of the trail - from Maine to Virginia - while hiking one week each summer over many years. Sometimes he hiked with his son Steve, sometimes with his son-in-law Dave Salla, sometimes with friends or relatives, and sometimes alone. He also hiked the Grand Canyon, rim to rim.

Wilbur enjoyed a 20-year career as a senior runner, too. He competed in many road races, including fifteen 500 Festival Mini-Marathons (the last one in 2000 at the age 75). A life-long Methodist, he served as treasurer and then president of the United Methodist Board of Missions of Metropolitan Indianapolis. Most recently he was a member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church. In addition, he was a member of Spencer Lodge no. 95, F. & A. M., the Military Officer's Association and the Indianapolis Hiking Club.

His beloved wife Verla, passed away July 6, 2012 after several years of poor health necessitating his support. They lacked two weeks of celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. Wilbur was a warm, caring and considerate man. He loved his family unconditionally and was devoted to his wife Verla. A very religious man, he never complained as he faced life's challenges. His naturally modest nature belied the strength he called upon when needed. Indeed, he was a highly intelligent well-read man. He loved to read the Wall Street Journal and serious books, typically non-fiction historical books. He was charming and unfailingly pleasant. He retained his natural good humor throughout his life and was well-liked by the many friends he had. He loved being outdoors, continuing to go on walks up until the last year or so.

Wilbur is survived by his daughter, Julie (Jeff) May, three grandchildren Chad (Alicia), Christopher (Lauren) and Brooke Salla, former son-in-law Dave Salla, two nephews Bob (Janis) Harrer and Jim (Kathy) Harrer, a niece Diana (Paul) Coulis, two grand nephews, a grandniece, and 3 great-grand nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Steve, two step-mothers Pearl Maze Harrer and Hattie Truax Graham Harrer, brother Kenneth and sister-in-law Mary Jo Harrer. His family would like to thank sincerely Robin Run Village Healthcare Center staff, Brookdale Hospice, and St. Luke's United Methodist Church for their help and support.

Visitation will be held from 12:00pm-2:00pm with funeral service at 2:00pm Sunday, April 8, 2018 at the Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 West 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208.