Harold E. Hackbarth, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at age 100, on April 10, 2025, at Grand Meadows Asbury.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church where a Mass of Christian burial will follow with Rev. Robert Gross officiating. His burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Harold was born on June 4, 1924, in Earlville, IA, the son of Arthur and Gertrude (Hunt) Hackbarth.

Harold grew up in Earlville, IA helping on the family farm until he married the love of his life, Geraldine Primus on December 31, 1946, in Rickardsville, IA. They made their home in Dubuque where he worked at John Deere for 36 years until his retirement in 1983.

Harold was devoted to his family and everything he did was always for their benefit. His passions were gardening, fishing, and woodworking. He played baseball in high school which led him to become a lifelong Cubs fan. His pride and joy was his vegetable gardens which he practiced organic gardening for many decades. His roses were the admiration of the neighborhood and he was often asked for advice on how he grew such beautiful roses. His many woodworking projects are keepsakes that are cherished by his family. His children have many fond memories of fishing with him and are envious of how he always caught the most and biggest fish. Harold was a very kind and honest man who lived by The Golden Rule. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and will be forever in our hearts.

Surviving are his children: Dennis (JoAnn) Hackbarth of Dubuque, Diane Hackbarth (Dumont Moore) of Rockford, IL., daughter-in-law Cheryl Hackbarth of Maple Park IL, Judy Cosby of Phoenix, AZ., Kevin (Ellen) Hackbarth of Rock Island, IL., Linda (Keith) Benson of Batavia IL., Jim (Julie) Hackbarth of Eldridge, IA., and Carol (Pat) Farrell of Choctaw, OK. 15 grandchildren Sara (Josh), Sheila (Tony) Eric, Glen (Amanda ), Lee, Stacey, Joshua, Jennifer (Ben), Adam (Rachel), Ryan (Sarah), Sam, Michael (Jacinta), Austin (Ty), Patrick (Erin), Cody (Kate) 21 Great-grandchildren, Evie, Chloe, Eli, Hannah, Anika, Jaslyn (Jaydon), Ella, Bryson, Abriya (Eliya), Mariyah, Falan, Ryder, Owen, Jacob, Ellie, Everly, Jett, Jaxx, and Graham; a sister-in-law Barbara Joann (Larry) Carter, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Geraldine, his sons Gary, Ron and infant David. Daughter-in-law Ursula, his grandson Brian, his parents, and his brothers John and Art Jr.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Hospice of Dubuque and Grand Meadows for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Hospice of Dubuque.