Harold Dean Kuebler (85) of Lake Placid, Fla., Formerly of Altamont

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Published on November 20 2020 10:26 am

Harold Dean Kuebler, 85, of Lake Placid, Florida, formerly of Altamont, Illinois passed away October 13, 2020.

A private family memorial service will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Elmo, Illinois Friday, November 27 with Father Rev. Joseph Havrilka. Burial to follow at St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Gieseking Funeral Home, Altamont is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be given to St. Bonaventure Church and Cemetery.

Harold was born January 31, 1935 to Claude E and Ada I (Oakley) Kuebler in Manchester, Iowa. He played football at Marion High School and graduated in 1955. His passion was farming with his step-grandfather. He bought his first tractor at the age of 16. Harold enjoyed music, motorcycles, and his black 57 Chevy.

He met his wife Kathleen (Heffernen) Kuebler after he had attended one of her high school basketball games. They married November 29, 1958.

They have three children, Susan (Robert) Holdeman of Highland, Colene Kuebler of Altamont  and John (Stacey) Kuebler of Altamont.

Harold was an accomplished welder, gaining 15 years of experience from Allis Chalmers as well as on the farm.  He could transform oil field pipe into any type of structure or equipment that would last a lifetime.  

Harold and Kathleen (Chick) developed a love for race horses in Iowa, by competing at local fairs. Harold did the horse driving until he realized Chick had a little better temperament for the handling of the horses. They worked as a team, training and racing. In 1972, they bought a farm and moved to Altamont. They became heavily involved in all aspects of the Standardbred racing and breeding business. Harold did all of the horse farrier work and the farming. He had a very strong work ethic, which he has passed to his children. He retired from farming in 1999 and they sold their last horse in 2012. In 2015, they moved to Florida to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine.

Harold is preceded in death by his parents and a sister Joyce Bolsinger.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, children, and grandson Caleb (Tiffany) Kuebler, Samuel Holdeman, Landon Oder (fiancé Julia Germann), and Clayton Oder.  He has one great-grandchild Garrett Kuebler.