HAROLD F. HALBACH

      Harold ‘Harry’ F. Halbach, 88, Waterford, died Feb. 1, 2015, knowing that he was much loved.

He was born in Waterford, to the late William and Emily (Kipp) Halbach. A graduate of Waterford High School in 1945, he met and married his wife, Violet ‘Vi’ (Hoffman) Halbach.

They 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 in Waterford, Harry was very involved in sports, making the varsity team his freshman year in baseball, basketball, and football. He 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.

He 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.

His favorite pastime was visiting and helping friends and family whenever possible. He always left you with a smile.

The awards he 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.

Survivors include his children, Jeffrey (Anke), Waterford, Christine Walsh, Beloit, Patrick (Kathy), Hartland, Laura Halbach, Waterford; grandchildren, Lindsay, Elizabeth, Bill Halbach, and Emily Halbach, Waterford, Aaron Walsh, Lauren Walsh and (Robert Weyker) Madison, and Alexandra Halbach, Madison; great-grandson. Briar Harold Niemyjski, Waterford; his brother, Donald Halbach, Waterford; other relatives, and many friends.

He was further preceded in death by his wife; brothers, William, Eugene, Richard; sister, Ruth; and grandson, Michael Walsh.

Funeral services will follow the visitation Thursday, Feb. 5, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 305 S. First St., Waterford. The Rev. Gene Doda will officiate. Visitation will be held in church from 4-6 p.m. Inurnment is Monday Feb. 16, at 11 a.m., at St. Thomas Cemetery, meet at the cemetery. Mealy Funeral Home, Waterford, is serving the family. In lieu of flowers, 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.

Well-wishers can visit www.mealyfuneralhome.com.