Michael Harbaugh / Aug. 6, 1941 — Aug. 17, 2010
Published 10:33 pm Thursday, August 19, 2010
Michael Willard Harbaugh, 69, of South St. Joseph Avenue, Niles, died at 1
Michael Harbaugh
p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010 at his home following a brief illness. He had been under medical care following a series of strokes and seizures in recent years.
He was born Aug. 6, 1941 in Niles and lived most of his life in Niles’ west side. His parents were Willard and Evelyn (Allen) Harbaugh, who preceded him in death.
Mr. Harbaugh retired from the Michigan State Police in 1989 after a distinguished 23-year career, most of which was served in Benton Harbor. He was recognized as Michigan State Trooper of the Year in 1978 for his work with youth in Berrien County. For many years he served as a community liaison officer, working with school age children in Benton Harbor, especially children who had experienced abuse.
He also worked for a short time on the Buchanan and Kalamazoo police departments.
He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1959 to 1964, stationed in the Philippines.
After retiring from the state police, he worked 10 years with the Berrien County Intermediate School District in Berrien Springs.
He was as runner for many years and was a lifelong Notre Dame football fan. He was often involved in charity work for youth services, and was a member of the Elks, American Legion and Eagles lodges in Niles.
More than anything, he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Michael is survived by many family and friends, including former wife, Jean Ann Harbaugh, whom he considered his life partner; children, Patricia Lynn (Aldrich-Harbaugh) Luke (Kevin Luke) of Crestview, Fla.; Michael Allen Harbaugh of Boca Raton, Fla.; Corey Leonard (Loriann) Harbaugh of Gobles, Mich.; Bradley John Harbaugh (Julie Ganey) of Chicago. He is also survived by three siblings, Phillip Harbaugh of Dunlap, Ind.; David Harbaugh of Elkhart, Ind.; and Linda (Harbaugh) Roberts of Asheville, N.C. He is survived by eight grandchildren and numerous others.
The family will be gathering privately for services. There will be no visitation.
The public is invited to pay their respects from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21 at the Eagles in Niles.
Arrangements were made by Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.
Contributions in memory of Michael may be made to The Link Youth Crisis Intervention Center in Benton Harbor of the Brian Parker Foundation in Niles.
