Edsel O. Harbac, age 87, of Bozeman, passed away on August 20, 2013 at the Edgewood Vista Retirement Community in Belgrade, MT.
Ed was born June 14, 1926 in Benson, MN. His mother died when he was 6 years old and he was raised by his grandmother, Virginia B. Finch. They moved to Knowlton, MT in 1933. Edsel completed grade school in Knowlton and then they moved to Miles City, MT.
He graduated from Custer County High School in 1944. During his High School years, he worked as a meat cutter at local Miles City grocers including Sawyers, Reynolds, and Safeway. He enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1943 and was called to active duty in 1944. He was assigned as a radio operator and navigator on B-29’s and B-24’s. He was stationed in Japan during the occupation and flew weather and other missions to the Philippines, Guam, Okinawa, Tinian and Saipan. He was honorably discharged in 1946 as a Staff Sergeant. He worked as a Brakeman and Conductor for the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (Milwaukee Road) from Sep 26, 1947 to Mar 31, 1982. He retired in 1982 when the Milwaukee Road ceased operations from Terry, MT to the West Coast. Edsel and his wife, Agatha, were owners/operators of the Miles City Dairy Queen Store from 1958 to 1962. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church, Knights of Columbus, Eagles & The United Transportation Union. He would tell that the luckiest day of his life was meeting Agatha L. Miller from Mott, ND. They were married on Feb 11, 1950 in Sacred Heart Church, Miles City, MT. From then on, his family was the most important thing in his life. He enjoyed playing cards, especially Pinochle & Rummy and found himself a winner a good share of the time.
Following the fracture of his left hip in 2008 and his right hip in 2012 his activities became very limited.
He is survived by his wife Agatha; sons Greg (Maureen) of Bozeman, MT, Doug of Bakersfield, CA, & Brian (Roxanne) of Sterling Heights, MI and granddaughters Hannah & Rose, great granddaughter Kathryn along with numerous cousins, nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents & his sister Beverly.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2013 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 23, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery with full military rites provided by VFW Post # 1579. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. We are telling people that: In lieu of flowers, you may contribute to the Sacred Heart Catholic School Endowment, 120 N. Montana Avenue, P.O. Box 1016, Miles City, MT, or the Charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday August 22, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday August 22, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Friday August 23, 2013
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Friday August 23, 2013
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday August 22, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday August 22, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Friday August 23, 2013
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Friday August 23, 2013
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Linda and Richard Meidinger says
Hello Agatha and family. So sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father.
I worked at the VA when Agatha did for alot of years so know her quite well and
enjoyed listening to her stories of what her and Ed did in there life together. They always had such a beautiful yard in the valley when I would drive by to and from work from Kinsey I always admired that. I really never knew where they moved to when they sold that home.
I know you have wonderful memories and pray that they help you through this tough time. Linda and Richard
patricia christopherson says
Agatha and family:
So sorry for your loss of Ed, and would love to be there for support for you, but am living in Kalispell now, and seldom make the long trip to Miles City. Blessings to you and all of the family, and know that your strong faith will see you through this loss.
Patricia Christopherson
Shelley Killen says
Brian, Roxanne and family;
Sorry to hear of your loss know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Shelley Killen
Mary (Zuelke) Bagley says
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. My prayers go with you and your family in this time of sorrow. I know dad always spoke fondly of Ed.
Mary
John and Helen Larson says
Brian and Roxanne,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.
John and Helen
Jerry & Denise Jones says
Greg,
Denise and I offer our most sincere condolences to you, Mo and your entire family. Your Dad’s obit shares of a colorful life of experiences which I can only imagine holds volumes of stories and warm memories. May these warm memories of the past, ease the pain suffered today.
God Bless All,
Jerry & Denise Jones
Stafford, VA
Anne Zowada says
Brian and Roxanne,
May God Bless you through this difficult time, We will continue to pray for you and your family .
Anne and Dan Zowada
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Edsel O. Harbac – I am sorry to hear of your loss. May you find comfort in many wonderful memories and recalling the many talents of Mr. Harbac at this difficult time. It was the Creator’s purpose that mankind live in perfect conditions, with perfect health, not to suffer and die. God has promised that a time will come when no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 33:24). The Bible gives us hope that soon God will end all suffering, pain, and death. (Revelation 21:4) The promise of Paradise, the perfect conditions God originally intended for mankind in the Garden of Eden will be fulfilled including God’s “will being done as in Heaven also upon Earth“ (Matt 6:9, 10). It is hoped that you are comforted by the promises in the Bible. (John 17:3).
Mary & Fred Wambolt says
Greg, we are so sorry to hear about your Dad. He was a great man! What a blessing that you were able to “be there for him and your mom” for these past years! Our prayer are with you all right now – may you find comfort in your faith and wonderful memories of good times together! Hope to see you at the rosary.
Mary
Sandy Mentikov Shelton says
Greg and family,
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May the Lord will hold you close and give you peace .
Sandy and Wayne
Claire and Vicki Tomlinson says
Brian, Roxanne and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a great man! I feel very fortunate to have met him and enjoyed playing cards during our visit. Thoughts and prayers and with during this time. May peace be with you all.
Love,
Claire
John Clark says
Sorry for your loss. A very fine person. Happy to have had his and his family as an acquaintance. You are the people who make the world a better place .
John Clark
Paul Gyapay(Gapay) says
Greg and family, sorry about the loss of your dad. I enjoyed the well written obituary, particularly the DQ and the Milwaukee Road part. It sounds like he had a very full and wonderful life. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family during this difficult time.
Kevin Donnelly says
We are sorry to hear of your lose. Will keep you all in are prayers. I am glad that we were blessed with being able to know your family. our loses are Heavens gains. Your dad set the pace for a good name and is proud of you for caring it on. God Bless you all.
Kevin Donnelly and Family
Cheryl and Pat Rogers says
So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I suppose there is a big Pinochle game going on in heaven this very moment. Cling to all the good memories you had together as a family. May God bless and keep you in his loving care.
Mike & Julie Biedrzycki says
Aggie, I am Paul and Alice’s son Mike, from Miles City. You and Ed were favorites of my folks. Very sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. If mom and dad were still alive, I am certain they would be very sad. As it is, they will now be able to share old stories and memories again. God bless you and all of your family.