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William A. Harenberg
April 23, 1937 ~ August 30, 2021 (age 84) 84 Years Old
William Harenberg was born in Milliken, Colorado, to William August Harenberg and Ida Harenberg on April 23, 1937. Bill spent his early years in southern Colorado, and later southern Utah, where he developed a love of the outdoors which he shared with his younger brother Don. When in his teens Bill moved with his family to Ontario, California, where he graduated from Chaffey High School in 1955. He met his future wife Jean when the two teens sang in church choir together.
Bill joined the U.S. Army, serving with the Army Security Agency. He studied the Korean language at the Army Language School in Monterey, California and spent the better part of 18 months in South Korea.
When he completed his Army service, he and Jean were married in June of 1959. Over the next decade plus, Bill and Jean welcomed their four children Drew, John (Sharon Dowd), Donna (Brian Jackson) and Janice (James Tooman).
Bill worked a number of jobs and attended colleges in Colorado, California, Utah, Washington, Oregon and Idaho. He spent many years as a hydrologist with the United States Geological Survey, retiring in 1994.
Bill was a dedicated blood donor for the Red Cross, giving over 400 units of whole blood and blood products and receiving his 51 gallon pin. He encouraged co-workers and family members to also donate blood.
Bill worked with Boy Scout Troop 33 for 40 years as a mentor to many youth. He sang in church choirs and served as an elder at Boise First Presbyterian Church. He was on the board for the church’s Camp Sawtooth, making sure facilities were maintained.
Bill cross-country skied at Bogus Basin once a week for many years during the ski season. He was also frequently seen along the Boise greenbelt on his 4 mile walks during warmer weather.
Bill lost his year-long battle with cancer on August 30, 2021. Many thanks to Bill’s doctors and other caregivers at St. Alphonsus Hospital, and to St. Al’s hospice team for helping Bill through his final illness.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, two brothers-in-law, a nephew and a cousin. He is survived by his wife Jean, their children and grandchildren, his brother Don (Margaret), sisters-in-law Jane Grant and Joan Grant,, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be missed by all who knew and admired him for his loyalty and dedication.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bill’s name can be made to Boy Scout Troop 33, Boise First Presbyterian Church or the Red Cross Blood Center in Boise.
A memorial celebration of Bill’s life is planned on Saturday, October 2, 2:00pm, at Boise First Presbyterian Church, 950 W. State Street, Boise, Idaho 83702.