Mr. Harold Halbach

Harold (Harry) F. Halbach, age 88, of Waterford, WI took the Lord’s hand and went to heaven on Sunday evening, February 1, 2015, knowing that he was much loved.
Harry was born in Waterford, WI the son of William and Emily (nee. Kipp) Halbach. A graduate of Waterford High School in 1945, he met and married his wife, Violet (Vi) (nee. Hoffman) Halbach.
Vi and Harry spent 62 years side by side, sharing a love and devotion to each other and making a living raising and selling purebred poultry all over the world. Halbach Poultry Farm was made famous throughout the world by the couple’s dedication to raising, exhibiting, and promoting purebred poultry. Traveling around the world and meeting poultry fanciers was paramount to Harry’s life. He was the President of the American Poultry Association from 1982 to 1986, and a licensed judge with both the American Poultry Association and the American Bantam Association. He spent most of his life traveling the country with his beloved sidekick Vi judging county fairs, national and international poultry shows and helping 4-H and FFA exhibitors with their show projects.
While growing up here in Waterford Harry was very involved in sports, making the Varsity team his freshman year in baseball, basketball, and football. Harry even went on to play semi-professional, as time away from the farm allowed. He passed his love of sports on to his children and grandchildren, serving as their biggest cheerleader.
Harry served his local community in many ways; Waterford High School Board, Waterford Village Board, St. Thomas Aquinas Basketball Coach, Western Racine County Sewer District Board, founded the St. Thomas Athletic Association, loved helping with the St. Thomas Fish Fry, was instrumental in building the new St. Thomas Church and was a current member of the Knights of Columbus. Harry’s favorite pastime was visiting and helping friends and family whenever possible. He always left you with a smile.
The awards Harry won in his life are numerous, often winning Grand Champion at the shows he attended, honors from local, state and national FFA and Agriculture groups and much recognition for his local service.
He is survived by and will be sadly missed by children: Jeffrey (Anke) of Waterford, WI, Christine Walsh of Beloit, WI, Patrick (Kathy) of Hartland, WI, and Laura Halbach of Waterford, WI. Grandchildren include Lindsay, Elizabeth, Bill Halbach, and Emily Halbach of Waterford, WI, Aaron Walsh and Lauren Walsh and (Robert Weyker) of Madison, WI, and Alexandra Halbach of Madison, WI. Harry was also very happy and proud of great-grandson Briar Harold Niemyjski of Waterford, WI. He is also survived by his brother: Donald Halbach of Waterford, WI, other relatives, and many friends.
Harold is preceded in death by his parents: William and Emily Halbach, wife: Violet Halbach, brothers: William, Eugene, Richard, sister: Ruth and grandson: Michael Walsh.
Funeral services will be held following the visitation on Thursday, February 5, 2015 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 305 S. First Street, Waterford, WI with Father Gene Doda officiating. Visitation will be held IN CHURCH from 4-6pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. Thomas Aquinas Athletic Fund.
All are welcome to join the family for a luncheon and fellowship following the service at St. Thomas Aquinas Hall.
Inurnment will take place on Monday February 16, 2015 at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas Cemetery, please meet at the cemetery.
Mealy Funeral Home
Waterford, Wisconsin
262-534-2233
www.mealyfuneralhome.com