Robert E. Harbrecht

       Robert E. Harbrecht, 89, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. He was born on October 7, 1935, to Edmund and Dorothy (Lawrence) Harbrecht.  He grew up at the family homestead farm in Porter and graduated from Chesterton High School in 1954. 

       In 1956, he joined the US Air Force and was stationed in Illinois, California, Turkey and Germany.  While in Germany he met his future wife, Ruth Dornheim, who was studying at the University.  They were married in June of 1960. 

       Robert was an independent trucker, starting with a 6 wheeled dump truck to an 18-wheel steel hauler.  He drove many years hauling steel coils from the mills in Gary to the auto plants in Detroit.  Upon retirement from trucking, Robert returned to farming at the Lawrence (his mother’s) homestead in Chesterton.  Robert and Ruth travelled to all 50 states and many countries in Europe, especially Germany, where they met. 

       Robert enjoyed old cars and Hudsons and Buicks were his favorites. He belonged to Hudson Antique Car Club, the Country Coach Motor Home Club and Snow Mobile Club. 

       He was preceded in death by his loving wife Ruth, his parents, two uncles, Randy and Rudy Lawrence, and his aunt Mame.

       Funeral Services will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 5 p.m. at White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S 2nd St., Chesterton, IN with Pastor Tim Wanless officiating. The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

       Memorial donations may be given to: Porter County Animal Shelter, 3355 Bertholet Blvd, Valparaiso, IN 46383 or to Restoration Church, 552 W Morthland Dr, Valparaiso, IN 46385.

Please share your wonderful memories with the family at: www.whitelovefuneralhome.com.

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