Donald Richard Harbers

Donald Richard Harbers, 96, of Metamora, IL, passed away at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL.
He was born on October 12, 1928, in Peoria, IL, to Robert F. and Magdeline (Engst) Harbers. He married Hildegard Mary "Hilda" Rohman on September 3, 1949 in Metamora, IL. She passed away on November 3, 2019.
Surviving are their children, Douglas (Dean) Harbers of Roseburg, OR, Margaret (Charles) Kramer of Appleton, WI, Gregory (Diane) Harbers of Deland, FL, David Harbers of East Peoria, IL, Jane (George) Puhl of Germantown Hills, IL, Amy (Dan) McClintock of Orland Park, IL, and Mark (Cathy Choi) Harbers of Bargersville, IN; fourteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and special family friend, Harriet Glogowski of Addison, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Roberta Harbers.
Don graduated from Bradley University and was hired at Caterpillar Tractor Company as a Metallurgical Engineer. He proudly worked for CAT for over 40 years. He held many management positions and when he retired he was a Quality Assurance Manager. During his career, he worked in East Peoria, Joliet, Milwaukee, WI, and Tokyo, Japan. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Metamora, the American Society for Metals, the American Welding Society, and the Metamora Historical Society, where he took part in the restoration of the Stevenson House in Metamora. He was a previous chairman of the Parent/Teacher Club at Spalding Institute in Peoria, IL. Don was also an integral part of the annual Snyder Village Golf Outing fundraiser in Metamora for many years. Over the years he has been a generous donor to many charitable organizations.
Don was a Boy Scout Leader for over 40 years. He was an Eagle Scout, and he received the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America for distinguished service. He enjoyed playing basketball in high school and after high school he enjoyed playing golf, softball, and baseball. He also enjoyed traveling. He was a huge Metamora sports fan, attending football and basketball games regularly. He was a big supporter of the Metamora Township High School. He loved to work in his garden and visit with his neighbors.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father David Kipfer officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until mass time, also on Thursday at the church. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Metamora. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Mary's School, 400 West Chatham Street, Metamora, IL 61548 or to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, 8630 IL-91, Peoria, IL 61615. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.
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