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Harold Harlow Gebauer

Sep. 16, 1929 - Jul. 26, 2021

Date of Service: Aug. 2, 2021

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HEYBURN – On Monday, July 26, 2021, Harold Harlow Gebauer, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away at the age of 91.

Harold was born on September 16,1929, on the family farm southwest of Akron, Colorado, to William and Emma Stienow Gebauer; the seventh of nine children. He received an 8th grade education at Rago School. His help on the family farm was invaluable while four of his brothers were serving in the military during World War II.

In 1946, Harold met Frieda Ruhaak, his forever sweetheart and soul mate, and they were married on November 26, 1947. They celebrated 73 years of marriage last November.

Harold and Frieda farmed south of Akron, Colorado, until Harold was drafted in 1954. He served in the United States Army for two years, stationed one of those years in Germany. He received an honorable discharge in 1956 with the rank of SP4.

Shortly after returning home, a friend told him about homesteading in Idaho. He decided to enter his name in the drawing and, in 1956, he drew a homestead. He picked a unit west of Paul, Idaho. This required many grueling hours of clearing the land and building a home. He and Frieda first built a basement home and later completed the home. He was very proud of his farm and home. Farming and agriculture were Harold's passion and he always strove to do the best job possible. To further enhance his farming skills, Harold completed the GI mechanics school.
Harold was honored as Farmer of the Year. In addition to his passion for farming, Harold loved to plant trees – specifically evergreens and fruit trees. His favorite tree was the Colorado Blue Spruce. He also enjoyed hunting and especially fishing.

Much to their joy, two sons made their family complete; Harlan in 1960 and Galen in 1964. The boys grew up on the farm loving the land just as their father did. Family was everything to Harold. He was especially proud of his sons and enjoyed teaching them farming, ranching and mechanic skills as well as instilling a great work ethic and a faith in God. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren filled his heart with a love and happiness only a grandparent understands. He was always an active participant in their lives – ready to cheer them on in all of their activities by attending ball games, track meets, rodeos, 4-H events, the county fair and many others.

Harold was a man of strong faith and was active in the First Presbyterian Church of Burley where he served as an elder and on numerous committees as well as sometimes providing entertainment with his wit and humor.

Harold was a kind and loving man always willing to help others whether it be a neighbor, friend or family member; it might include anything from helping someone who was sick, help with a tractor, a sick animal, lending money, helping a child clean their room or even washing dishes. His sense of humor, wit and ability to tell stories often made him the life of the party – especially at family gatherings. He created good times with lots of laughter. He will be greatly missed!

Harold was preceded in death by his parents,William and Emma Gebauer; sisters, Helena Harper and Thelma Dean; brothers, Chester Gebauer, Wilferd Gebauer, Robert Gebauer, Alfred Gebauer, and Charles Gebauer; brothers-in-law, Warren Harper and Oliver Dean; and sisters-in-law, Goldie Gebauer and Rose Gebauer.

He is survived by his wife, Frieda; sons, Harlan (Sharon) and Galen (Pat); grandchildren, Payden Gebauer (Darby), Tyler Gebauer (Kelli), Jaycee Gebauer, Kasey Kowitz (Amber), and Jessica Tuttle (Ted); great-grandchildren, Kinsley and Helayna Gebauer, Kazlin and Luke Kowitz, and Ida and Luella Tuttle; brother, Max (Joyce); sisters-in-law, Margie Gebauer and Betty Gebauer; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, August 1, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, August 2, at First Presbyterian Church, located at 2100 Burton Ave., in Burley, with the Rev. John Ziulkowski, officiating. Military rites will be provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Group. Burial will follow at Paul Cemetery.

Donations in honor of Harold may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 2100 Burton Ave, Burley, Idaho 83318; the Mini-Cassia Veterans Group; or to a charity of choice.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/rFT1Damj4rw.

Condolences for Harold Harlow Gebauer

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Russ Holland:

What a good man. I really enjoyed the years I spent working with the Gebauer families. Harold was always upbeat and happy every time I saw him. Easy to see how much he and Frieda loved and cared for each other, especially through the medical problems brought on by their advancing years. Harlan & Sharon and Galen &Pat you have a great legacy of hard work and perseverance left to you by your Mom and Dad

From Kyle Hanks:

So sorry for your loss Galen. Harold will always be remembered for loving his neighbors. I we'll miss his laugh and always being welcomed at his home. Heaven has gained an angel. You and your family are in our prayers. Love you always.
Kyle and Chris Hanks and family.

From George and Gwen:

Harold has gone on to rest in the Lord like so many of the old homesteaders. What a wonderful man, and what a legacy he has left your family’s with. God bless you Vernon and Galen, and your families, at this time of great change. We are thinking of you.

From Karma Bishop :

So sorry for your loss Pat and Galen and family. He was a good man and brought a smile to my face when I got to see him support the grand kids at the fairgrounds. Prayers and hugs to you

From Julie Reynolds:

Frieda, Harlan, Galen and families--So very sorry for your loss. I will never forget Harold for so many reasons; his sense of humor, always a smile, loved to hug, his dedication to family and God, and most of all for his help on our farm when dad got sick. He helped so much and it was appreciated more than you will ever know. May God Bless you all and I'll keep you in my prayers.

From Cindy "Corless" Beck :

I have so many fond memories being friends and neighbors. I always knew I would get a frienly wave, most the time he was waving as he looked the other way to check a field. But a friendly wave none the less. My Dad always called him and his brother " My German friends." Hugs and love to you!!

From Leslie Dessel Candiotti:

Frieda and family, sorry for your loss. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I have fond memories of Harold and his willingness to always help his neighbors. Blessings to you and family.

From Cindy schlund :

He reminded me so much of my grandfather. I enjoyed taking care of Harold and I’m going to miss him so very much.

From Terry & Karla Barnes:

Our sincere sympathy to all. Harold was such a sweet man with a fun sense of humor. He and Freida made a beautiful couple and we’re a fine example of love and devotion to all who knew them. Prayers for strength in the days ahead. Harold was a fine man and part of the greatest generation. Terry and Karla Barnes

From Jeff and Terri Nester:

Dear Frieda and Family, Will always have fond memories of the times spent on the farm and fishing with Harold. Sure glad that we were able to visit and reminisce with him shortly after your 70th anniversary - always a joy to visit with Harold. He was a good listener and gave great advice. We will surely miss him!

From David Vidakovich:

Say Hello to Charles and your Family friend Big Lou Vidakovich. Sorry for your loss.

From Kris Frost:

Galen,
I am so sorry for your loss. Love and hugs from me.

From Pie and Marilyn Linares:

We are so sorry for the loss of your dad. We met him at Darby and Payden's wedding and subsequently got to know him better. What a character and a good man.

From Jess & Lisa Peters:

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. So very sorry for your loss.

From Gabriela Gomez :

Harold Was A Sweet Man, He Was Very Kind To Others Always Asked How We We're Doing N Made Us Laugh.. I Had The Pleasure To Care For Him While Working At Parke View.. He Will Be Miss, To All His Family So Sorry For Ur Loss

From Tami Clark:

Frieda, and family, So sorry to hear of Harold's passing. We will keep you in our prayers. Matt & Tami Clark (Interstate Repair)

From Joanne Haynes:

So sorry for your loss. Harold was the best farm neighbor while growing up. Learned a lot of language!!!!!!!
Always had a hug for me and smile.

From The Blacker’s :

Galen and Pat- so sorry for your loss

From Nya Trau:

Harold was such a sweet man! He could always put a smile on someone's face. Glad I had the pleasure of taking care of him during the time I worked at Parke View, my condolences to his family.

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