Harold A. Barfknecht

Harold Barfknecht, 90, passed away on Friday, August 18, 2023. He was born November 20, 1932, in Randolph, Wisconsin, to August Charles and Ada Mae (Close) Barfknecht. Harold graduated from Goodrich High School in Fond du Lac. At an early age Harold decided he wanted to travel the world. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1952 and began a 2-year aviation cadet training program. He was first assigned to Parks AFB in California and subsequently to Harlingen AFB in Texas for navigator training where he met the love of his life, Zoeneida Thomas. They were married May 1, 1954, and shortly afterwards moved to Hawaii on assignment. Harold spent 30 years serving his country in the Air Force including one year in Vietnam. While in Vietnam Harold was a navigator on C130 cargo planes transporting supplies for our troops. In the early 60s while stationed at Andrews AFB Harold helped pioneer computerized flight planning. Harold graduated from Iowa State University with a Masters degree in Computer Science in 1971 and retired in 1982 while stationed at the General Defense Supply Center in Richmond, Virgina, with the rank of full Colonel. During his service Harold received awards and decorations including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal. After retiring from the Air Force Harold moved to Fond du Lac where he worked as a Computer Information Systems Instructor for Moraine Park Technical College for 20 years, retiring in 2002. Harold enjoyed gardening, square dancing, and activities with his family including traveling and skiing. He was an active member of Salem United Methodist Church in Fond du Lac volunteering his time on many church activities. Harold donated his time and gardening skills to the upkeep of Veterans Park in Fond du Lac.

Survivors include three sons, Jerry (Cheryl) Thomas, Las Vegas; Andrew (Rebecca) Barfknecht, Menlo Park, CA; and August Barnet, Kenosha; one daughter, Helen (Arnie) Bronk, Mount Calvary; and two grandsons, Ethan and Liam Barnet. Harold is also survived by one brother, John (Joyce) Barfknecht, St Peter and four sisters, Edna Wigger, Columbus, MO; Janet (Eugene) Willis, Fond du Lac; Elaine Rubringer, Cleveland, WI; and Louise (Jim) Keifenheim, Fond du Lac. Preceding Harold in death was Zoeneida in 2014; brothers, Allen (2015), Donald (1993); sisters, Maysel (1993) and Hazel (2020).

VISITATION: Friends and family may call on Saturday, August 26, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Salem United Methodist Church, 120 Sheboygan St, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM with Reverend Eliud Martinez officiating. Burial will take place at 2:00 PM at Rosendale Cemetery. Military graveside honors will take place at the cemetery.

Memorials appreciated to American Cancer Society or Salem United Methodist Church.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com