Harold Larmann, 69 years old of New Alsace, died peacefully on Friday, December 23 with his wife, Regina, by his side. Harold grew up on the 90-acre family farm in New Alsace where they raised dairy cattle and hogs as well as hay, corn, and wheat. Harold and Regina raised their three boys in this same house that was built by his great grandfather in 1916 after emigrating from Germany. The big barn built in 1854 and a smaller barn built earlier than that is still used by the Larmanns. Inside these barns are some of Harold’s favorite old tractors, including his Allis Chalmers WD45, the last tractor he was able to drive. After high school, Harold attended Vincennes University with the desire to be a veterinarian. He exceled at his science classes that involved animals because of his experience on the farm. After two years at Vincennes, Harold transferred to Purdue to finish out his Bachelor of Science degree. Although he never became a veterinarian he continued to use his learnings on the farm and was a self-employed electrician for over 20 years before retiring from Denier Electric.
Harold’s mom knew he had found “the one” when he met Regina Wuestefeld. Their dates revolved around farm life…harvest time, milking cows, and whatever was needed at the time. He would pick her up from the Coffee Pot in Harrison where Regina worked at the time, and brought her out to the farm where she sat on the fender of the tractor or haybale in the barn and watched him work until he was finished with his responsibilities. Harold taught his boys a good ethic by teaching them how to work on vehicles, run electric, and the ability to fix almost anything. Although he was tough on them growing up, they acknowledge that his drive made them the men they are today. When they weren’t working, you could find Harold, Regina, the boys, and whoever stopped over sitting at the picnic table under the maple tree drinking a beer. This was the favorite social spot for family and visitors to relax and share stories old and new. In the summers, Harold and Regina worked the festival at St. Paul’s. Harold was the greeter at the dining room for those eating chicken dinners, a perfect job for someone who knew everyone in town. And, if you didn’t know Harold he was your friend by the end of the day. He was happy to have a conversation with anyone about anything and wasn’t afraid to give you his opinion. A vivacious soul, Harold left a last impression on everyone he met.
Harold will be deeply missed by Regina, his wife of 47 years and their three boys, Joseph Larmann, Phillip (Brittany) Larmann, and Nicholas (Jessica) Larmann; father Jerome (Betty) Larmann; siblings Linda Larmann, Marian (Joe) Bedel, and Donna (Bob) Schebler; and the grandchildren that brought such joy to his life Hudson, Hadley, Holton, Hendrix, Pauline, and Calvin. Harold is preceded in death by his mother Pauline Larmann and sister Rita Larmann.
Visitation for Harold will be on Friday, December 30 at Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home from 10:00am – 1:30pm with a memorial service beginning at 1:30pm. Burial will immediately follow at St. Paul Catholic Cemetery in New Alsace. Memorials can be made to American Cancer Society. Memorials will be taken at the visitation or can be mailed to the funeral home. Family and friends are encouraged to leave condolences at www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com