Joseph R. Harbaugh

     Joseph R. Harbaugh, 87, of Honey Grove, died Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, at his home.

     He was born Jan. 18, 1936 in Alum Bank. It was very important to him to note that he was born in a log house in Bedford County and that he died in a log house in Juniata County.

     He is survived by his wife, Sandra (Feister) Harbaugh, whom he married Jan. 18, 1991, a daughter, Amy Jo Robinson, a step-son, John Kachel, a step-daughter, Alissa Kachel, a daughter, Diane Burley, a son, Martin Harbaugh, a son Alan Harbaugh, sisters and brother, Betty Warren, Peggy Bohms, Orville Harbaugh, Jr. and Nancy Davis, 22 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. He was especially close to grandchildren Casey Calandro and Gaige Kachel.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Orville R. and Pauline (Scritchfield) Harbaugh, a son, Joseph Harbaugh, Jr., a step-son, Mark Kachel, a step-daughter, Karen Soulliard, five brothers and one sister.

     Joe was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Army Airborne Special Forces in Korea.

     He worked in towing and storage most of his life and became a landlord after moving to Juniata County.

     He enjoyed hunting and working on his home. Their log house was an original Juniata County log house that was moved to the present site and he and Sandy finished the chinking and other aspects of the house interior. As a carpenter, he then built additions onto the house as well as constructing other buildings on the property.

     He loved to ride his motorcycle and owned several Harleys over the years.

     His funeral will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 1, at Guss Funeral Home, Inc., 20 S. Third St., Mifflintown, with Rev. Judy Rowles officiating. There will be a viewing one hour prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home. Military honors will be accorded by the Juniata County Veterans Council. Interment will be at the convenience of the family.

     The family will provide all flowers and requests that memorial contributions be given to Lack-Tuscarora EMS, PO Box 96, East Waterford, PA  17021 or Family Hospice, 20 Sheraton Drive, Altoona PA 16601.

     The family thanks the staff at UPMC Family Hospice for their care and support over the past 17 months especially Amy, Morgan, Deb, Lauren, Heather and Amber. A special hug for Vicki who was Joe’s primary Hospice Aide from the beginning and always made him smile.

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