Leona M. Harbarth

Obituary

Leona Marie Beich was born on November 10, 1924, in Round Grove Township, rural Fernando, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Paul and Hedwig (Klitzke) Beich. Leona was baptized as an infant and confirmed in her faith as a youth, both at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stewart, Minnesota. She received her education at District 50 School in Round Grove Township. Leona grew up on a farm and was use to hard work from a young age, helping with daily farm chores and household duties.

On October 5, 1947, Leona was united in marriage to Raymond Harbarth at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Penn Township, rural Brownton, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with four children, Orlin, Darlene, Carol and Connie. Leona, Raymond and their children resided on their farm south of Brownton. Along with helping Raymond with farm chores, Leona was a homemaker and took great pride and care in raising her family. She had a large garden and canned many of the vegetables and fruits. Leona and Raymond shared 55 years of marriage prior to the passing of Raymond in 2003.

Leona’s favorite hobby was having beautiful flower gardens and house plants. She will always be remembered for her kindness and generosity, putting everybody else’s needs above hers. Leona never complained, and when going through hard times, she made the best of it and always trusted in God. She was an excellent cook and will be remembered for her hotdish, holiday raspberry and cranberry fruit salads, delicious desserts, and many home-made Christmas treats, especially her popcorn cake. Leona’s grandchildren frequently told her she made the best pancakes in the world, which always included her special ingredient of “love”.

Leona moved to Evergreen Apartments in Hutchinson, Minnesota in 2000, after Raymond needed to be moved to a nursing home when his health declined. She enjoyed going to the Evergreen Hutchinson Senior Center daily and visiting with the friends she made there and playing Bingo. Leona also volunteered in the Senior Center kitchen on occasion when they needed additional help to prepare and serve meals to the residents. When Leona needed help with her daily care, she moved to Cedar Crest Estate in Silver Lake, Minnesota, two days after her 95th birthday.

Leona was a past member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, and later at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brownton. She was a member of both congregation’s Ladies Aid. Leona was also a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. She enjoyed going to church and bible study, listening and dancing to old time music, and visiting with family and friends.

Leona passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Cedar Crest Estate in Silver Lake, at the age of 99 years.

Blessed be her memory.

Leona is survived by her:
Son, Orlin Harbarth of Litchfield, MN;
Daughters, Darlene Trebelhorn of Hutchinson, MN,
Carol Fisher and her husband, Larry of Arlington, MN,
Connie Harbarth of Hutchinson, MN;
Grandsons, Chad Fisher of Arlington, MN,
Corey Fisher and his wife, Heidi Jo of Arlington, MN,
Justin Uecker and his wife, Erin of Mayer, MN;
Great-grandsons, Landon Fisher of Arlington, MN,
Nolan Fisher of Arlington, MN;
Great-granddaughters, Gretta Fisher of Arlington, MN,
Seaton Uecker of Mayer, MN;
Step-grandsons, Barry Trebelhorn of Woodbury, MN,
Brad Trebelhorn of Boise, ID;
Nephew, Dale Harbarth of Hutchinson, MN;
Nieces, Barbara Harbarth of Hector, MN,
Kay Peik of Hutchinson, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.

Leona is preceded in death by her Parents, Paul and Hedwig Beich; Husband Raymond Harbarth; Brother, Erwin Beich; Sister, Irene Beich; Mother-in-law, Martha Harbarth; Father-in-law, Herman Harbarth; Brother-in-law, Willard Harbarth; Sister-in-law, Geraldine Harbarth; Son-in-law, Phil Trebelhorn.