Larry Albert Harshbarger, 80, of rural Burlington passed away on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at his home.
He was born on January 11, 1942, to Harold and Ruth Bell Harshbarger in Mt. Pleasant. He grew up in Salem, Iowa. He graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1960. On July 22, 1966, he married Karen S. Wahl in Middletown.
He began working for Iowa Southern Utilities in 1968 and retired from Alliant Energy after 35 years of service. He was a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
Larry developed a lifetime love of horses as a young man working with his father and grandfather on their farms in rural Salem. He was an avid horseman his entire life, training both pleasure and reining horses, attending horse shows, and horse sales, whenever and wherever. He volunteered as a board member for numerous saddle clubs in the southeast Iowa area. Larry was instrumental in developing the Des Moines County 4H Horse club and served as a youth leader for many years. He was free with his time to any young person who shared his love of horses.
He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather.
Survivors include his wife of over 55 years, Karen S. Harshbarger of Burlington, two sons, Shane (Pamela) of Altoona, and Monte (Rebecca) of Novelty, Mo.; one granddaughter, Brooke Harshbarger of Macomb, Ill.; two grandsons, Alexander and Andrew Harshbarger of Altoona; two brothers Kent (Karen) Harshbarger of Mediapolis and Bill (Ruth) Harshbarger of Ft. Madison; sister-in-law, Vera (Charles) Anderson of Middletown, and several nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents and twin infant brothers.
A private family burial will take place at Salem South Cemetery prior to services.
Visitation will be from 2 until 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6 at Prugh-Thielen Funeral Home.
The memorial service for Larry will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7 at Simple Gatherings Church (225 Main Street, Middletown, IA 52638) with Pastor Tracey Burgus officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial for horse organizations in southeast Iowa and the Des Moines County Special Needs Foundation.