Robert Harbstreit

Robert Harbstreit of Washington, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Bob was born on April 6, 1936, on the Harbstreit Farms in Daviess County, Indiana, the first child of Carlton and Lena (Risley) Harbstreit. Bob attended Plainville High School before proudly serving his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Upon completing his duty in Germany, he spent many years in the financial management industry. Although he wasn’t aware of it at the time, he was destined to spend the majority of his working career in aviation.

Bob learned to fly his father’s airplane at ten years old, which ignited his lifelong passion for aviation and led into a 30-year career until his retirement. During his career, Bob was the personal pilot of the late William A. Cook. Their travels and adventures took them all over the world. One of Bob’s last flights was with his son Nathan as captain.

While working at Cook, Bob established and was president of several Cook companies, including Cook Corporate Flight Department, Cook Aircraft Leasing, Cook Aviation–Fixed Base Operation, Star Travel Services, and Star of Indiana Bus Company. In addition, he was responsible for all company-owned vehicles.

After Bob retired, he went home to his beloved Harbstreit Hill. The farm belonged to his grandfather, a man he loved very much. In fact, Bobby was born on this farm. He spent hours in his woodworking shop, creating beautiful pieces for his friends and family. He loved having coffee with his friends in “The Boardroom,” located inside his big red barn.

He was a man of faith and a member of Evangelical Community Church in Bloomington and, upon relocation to Daviess County, attended Bethany Christian Church.

For over 50 years, he was a member of the Masonic Lodge, American Legion, Moose International, and Quiet Birdmen.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Donna; his son, Nathan (Danna), and grandsons, Zed and Gunnar; his son, Lee (Tammy), their five children, Emily Rose, Eli, Sage, Cy, and Stone, and three grandchildren; his son-in-law, David Tompkins, and his children, Sheldon Tompkins, Holly Naujkot, David Adam Tompkins, and Candace Rogers; eleven grandchildren; and his sister, Karla Wildridge.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carlton and Lena Harbstreit; his daughter, Melanie Tompkins; and his brother-in-law, Ron Wildridge.

Bob will be dearly and sadly missed by all who knew his sunny and, at times, larger-than-life personality.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Ed L. Lee Mortuary

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Ed L. Lee Mortuary, with Pastor Tom Watson officiating.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared through memorial gifts to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital

501 St. Jude Place,

Memphis, TN 38105

1-800-822-6344

https://www.stjude.org/