Carl Walter Harbaugh, age 83, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2015 at the Garfield County Nursing Home in Jordan.
Carl was born at the home of Auntie Agnes Sullivan in Miles City, Montana, on March 18, 1931, to Carl Walter Harbaugh Sr. and Margie Fellman Harbaugh. He came into the world a puny baby and remained that way the first couple of years until they determined he was allergic to milk.
He was raised on the family homestead from 1931-35 when the house burned down and the family lost everything. At that time they moved in to a 12×12 granary where Carl learned many strategic ways to kill flies. In the fall of 1935 they moved down Sand Creek in to a 13×13 dugout where they lived until a new house was constructed.
Carl was an outstanding athlete for Garfield County High School, lettering in Basketball and Football. After high school he passed on the offered scholarships to play college basketball and continued working along side Carl Sr., Margie, and Brothers Gene and Don on the family ranch.
In 1947 Carl met Velma Mart at a Valentines Day Dance and they dated through high school and on April 1, 1951, Carl and Velma were married at Pearl and Elsie Marts house in Jordan. To this union four children were born: Sandy, Wade, Tony, and Shane.
Carl was an avid horseman, breaking and riding some of the best in the County. In 1948 Carl rode his horse Fourbits in the 100 mile Hell Creek to Miles City Endurance Run and finished the race in a time of 9 hours and 16 minutes.
Carl’s first love was flying and he got his flying license while he was a senior in high school. In his many years of flying, Carl was called upon many times to find lost hunters, check livestock, deliver medication and other supplies to area families. The Sky Riders held many fly-ins over the years in Garfield County that included breakfasts and many flying games including toilet paper cutting, flour bombing and spot landing. Many hours were also spent in the Super Cub shooting coyotes.
Carl served on many boards over the years in the Jordan community to include: Grade School and High School Boards, FHA Board, Hospital board, MT Pilots Association, Sky Riders – Garfield County Chapter, Presbyterian Church board and the Garfield County Bank Board.
In 1987 Carl and Velma moved to the Riley place and semi retired from the ranch. He and Velma enjoyed traveling to such places as Hawaii and spent many winters in Casa Grande, AZ, in their camper. They moved into Jordan in 2010.
Carl is survived by his wife Velma of Jordan, daughter Sandy Cameron (Alasdair) Miles City, and Sons Wade (Bev) Jordan, Tony (Lori) Miles City, and Shane (Holly) of Jordan, along with 11 Grandchildren, and 22 great grandchildren and one on the way.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, January 29, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Parlor on 1806 Main Street in Miles City. A visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Community Presbyterian Church in Jordan, MT. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the VFW Hall in Jordan. A private family interment will be held at the Harbaugh family ranch. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Jordan is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Garfield County Ambulance Service.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 29, 2015
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday January 30, 2015
Community Presbyterian Church
724 Leavitt Ave.
Jordan, MT 59337
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 29, 2015
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday January 30, 2015
Community Presbyterian Church
724 Leavitt Ave.
Jordan, MT 59337
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Donna Schmidt says
Dear Velma and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Carl was a wonderful man. May God’s peace be with you.
GARY AND PAT HELM says
to the whole harbough clan: so sorry whenwe heard about carl. he was a great guy and always had a smile to give you. he will be missed by all. our hugs and prayer go out to each and every one of you. may you all all know he is in a better place and no more pain.
Kelli Klein says
Tony and family, thoughts and prayers are with you during this great time of loss.
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Velma and family Condolences and Prayers for all of you. May you find comfort in all of your memories and in Gods Love for all of you. Carl was such a nice man and supporter of the community
Sandi Kohones and Jon Wilkerson says
We are so sorry to learn of Carl’s passing. We enjoying getting to know him and your family while he and George were roommates in the hospital. Many prayers go out for all of you during this sad time.
Dorothy Zitzler says
My thoughts are with you and your family during this time. I am sorry for your loss. Carl sounds like he was a wonderful man who will be deeply missed. How lucky he was to have such a great family.
Very Sincerely,
Dorothy Zitzler
Las Cruces, N.M.
Gretchen Berube says
Tony and family,
My thoughts and prayers to your family! ((Hugs)) to you all!
Gretchen Berube and family
Nedra Drew Vander Vorste says
Velma and All: So sorry about Carl! Harbaugh has been a name, and a family that I grew up with! Like losing a member of my own family! So, so sorry! Will keep your family in my thoughts, and prayers! Nedra
Tim and Cheri Hafla says
To all the Harbaugh Families,
Our deepest sympathy to you all..Carl was a wonderful Man, always a smile and a hi, he will be greatly missed..
Kim and Cheryl Foell says
Velma and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Carl was such a special man. We feel fortunate to have become a part of the Harbaugh family through Amy and Weston. We can’t make it to the funeral but will be thinking about all of you.
Love,
Kim and Cheryl
Allen and Karen Barnes says
Our deepest sympathy to all the Harbaugh family – God has called another of the good ones home. May all your good memories help you through this time. He will be missed
Our deepest sympathy to all of the Harbaugh family – God has called another good one home. May all your good memories help you through. He will be missed by many.
Diane (Rath) Hewett says
Dear Harbaugh family,
I am so saddened and sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathies to all of you. Carl was such a nice man and he will be greatly missed. Hugs and prayers to all of you and may God Bless each and every one of you as you go through this difficult time.
Sincerely, Diane
Kelsey Clark Lawrence says
I have so many memories of this wonderful man. Thanks Carl for all the laughtef and fun. You are missed and will never be forgotten. 🙂
Darryl and Sonja Turner says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Carl was a wonderful person and will be missed by all who knew him, cherish the memories.
Howard Wenger says
hunted on the ranch years ago. Only met Carl once, sure was a pleasant person like so many in Garfield county.sorry for your loss and may peace be with you.i will keep you in my prayers
DODIE & NEAL PAXSON says
Velma, It is with a very heavy heart that I post this! Carl was and will be remembered by all as a stand out man in every way. He was always a gentleman and would do anything for his family and community. He will be missed by all he touched and he touched many. To the whole Harbaugh family, know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Cling to your many memories to carry you through until you meet again. If we can do anything to ease your pain please don’t hesitate to call us! Love, Peace & Hugs to you all!
Mary Alice Murnion says
Velma and all the families,
What a sad day this was for the whole family and all who knew Carl. Our deepest and most sincere sympathy. May God give you strength and may all the good times and memories help you to endure this loss.
Miriam Currey says
Tony. Sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Dirk and I are thinking of you and your family. May you all find peace during this difficult time.
Elaine Shipley says
So very sorry for your loss Tony doesn’t matter what age they are when you lose a parent you lose a part of your heart god bless you and keep you in peace
Maureen Larson says
Dear Harbaugh Family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. May God’s love and peace surround you during this difficult time. They are gone from this earth but never forgotten in our hearts.
Kathy Christman says
So sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dale and Ruth Bond says
To the Harbaugh family .Sorry to hear about Carl.He will be missed.Was a great man atways with a smile.Lean on family and friends at this time .Our prayers are with you.
Dale and Ruth Bond
Pat and Bob Corbin says
Dear Harbaugh family, So sorry for your loss. Carl was such a great man. He with you Velma raised a great family. It is so hard to see your loved ones sick and in pain but it is still so hard to let them go. Hopefully the knowledge that Carl is no longer will help you get through this sad sad time. Hold you memories close. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Donovan Currey says
Velma & Family,
Carl was a wonderful and special person and he will be missed. I will always remember his deep voice and big smile. May God give you all his grace and comfort to help you through this difficult time.
Donovan & Heather Currey
Muff Engdahl says
Velma & family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. May your treasured memories give you strength during this great sorrow. Carl was a wonderful man, I loved judging at the fair just to see what he knitted each year.
Love and strength to each of you,
Muff and family
Carla McWilliams says
Harbaugh families. So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nicky (Currey) Swenson and family says
Velma and all the Harbaughs,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to each of you. I have many fond memories of Carl. He had that deep voice that made you pay attention only to find out that he was a big teddy bear. May your faith and memories of him comfort you in this very difficult time.
Love to you all,
Nicky (Currey) Swenson and family
Christine Keltner says
My thoughts and prayers go to all the Harbaugh family, he will be missed by us all.
Chris Whitlock Keltner
Scott, Sheri, Matt & Sarah Merkling says
Prayers for lots of memories of the laughter shared with Grampa Carl.
Hugs & love to all of you from all of us.
Debbie Weyer says
I am so sorry for your loss…. I remember great conversations with Carl when I worked at the bank…. He was a great man & will be missed by so many. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, LOVE leaves a memory no one can steal” author unknown. Hoping your memories will help comfort you in this difficult time.
Sandy Rabe says
I am so sorry to hear of Carl’s passing. Prayers to you all.
Cheryl (Hafla) Smutt says
To all Harbaugh families
I am very sorry about your loss. Prayers to all.
Rick & Dee Abbott says
To each of Carl’s family:
We were saddened to learn of Carl’s passing. We pray that each of you are granted God’s peace and comfort during your time of grief.
Jerry and Lori Murnion says
so sorry for your loss, Carl was such a great man. Jerry and I won’t be able to attend Carl’s services, we will be in Billings at Kendra’s Gymnastics meet. You are in our thoughts and Prayers.
John & Annette Gorton says
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. May warm memories of good times together bring you comfort.
Carol Rath Rashkow says
Dearest Velma, Sandy, Wade, Tony, Shane and all of your family,, I want to extend my sincere condolences to each of you during your time of loss. Carl was such a very nice person and was always so friendly. God bless each of you as you mourn the loss of your loved one.
Todd Larson says
To the Harbaugh family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy Carl was a great man, a wonderful father and he will be missed.
Alan and Marilyn Hutchinson says
Carl was a Legend in his time. Loved him and will miss him. Thinking of the whole Harbaugh family. Love you and remembering you.
Gerome and Rita Wemmer says
Dear Velma, Sandy and Alaisdar and family, Wade and Bev and family, Tony and Lori and family, Shane and Holly and family:
Such a sad time for all. Carl was so wonderful to know and has such a wonderful legacy left behind in the family he and Velma raised. He will be missed by many, but will always be remembered. May God be with you and all the families. Our deepest sympathies Gerome and Rita Wemmer
Tim & Kris Crews says
May you be comforted during this difficult time
George and Katrina Luther says
Harbaugh family,
Thoughts and prayers to all. Carl was so supportive of his family and community. Keep good memories close to comfort you.
George,Katrina Trevor and Travis
Dave and Donna Kloker says
We are thinking of you and your family. Our prayers are with you. May God bring your comfort and peace.
Doug Damm says
To all the Harbaugh family, my sincere sympathy goes out to you in the loss of Carl. May you forever be sustained by the wonderful memories of your time together. May the Lord comfort you during these difficult days.
Elisa and Guy Cusimano says
Dear Sandy , Sincere sympathy in your loss of your dear father.
Joe and Cathy Donnelly says
Tony , Sandy and families: We are sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. It is quite a change when you lose a parent. The family dynamics will be different now, but lots of good memories to carry you thru this trying time. Hugs to you all.
Jeff Green says
Mrs. Harbaugh and Children,
Please accept our deepest sympathies from all of us at CBM in Sioux Falls.
Rod & Lorri Coulter says
To all the Harbaugh families: We will miss seeing Carl in church, he was such a faithful church member. Our prayers to all of you. May the Lord bless and keep you all.
Lori Wheatcroft says
To the entire Harbaugh Family: my deepest sympathy to all of you. My thoughts are with you at this time of loss. I know how important he was to your family as well as the community. He will be missed. Take care.
Roxi and Bruce Burrows says
I was so saddened to learn of Carl’s passing. To all of you we send our love and prayers.
Joyce Bateman says
To all the Harbaugh family,
I was saddened to hear of Carl’s passing. The Harbaughs were dear family friends when I was growing up. Carl was a pillar of the community as well as being a kind, generous and friendly man. I always felt welcome in his home. Blessings.
Jason and Lisa Dulin says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Harbaugh family, in your time of loss. Our deepest sympathy to you during this difficult time.
Mark Jenkins says
The thoughts and prayers of my family and myself are with all of the Harbaugh family.
Vanna Lancaster Byrd says
Tony,
I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Vanna
Sandy and Charles Wilson says
Velma and Family,
We’re so sorry for your loss. Carl was a wonderful man and we couldn’t ask for a better neighbor. We hope your memories are sweet and that they will be a comfort to you.
Sandy and Charles
Cherub Saunders says
Donna Riley just emailed me today & told me of Carl’s passing. Needless to say, I was shocked. As we grew up together, he was like the brother I never had. And, as you know, he was our Best Man at our wedding and Velma was one of my best friends. Remember gathering your cows together.
I send you my prayers to get you through this hard time. I almost lost Stan last week in the
Hospital but God gave me a 2nd miracle & I now have him home to nurse back to health. My
Love and prayers go out to you & your family. Write me some time after you have time
To get your life back together.