Hi Marly, and family sorry to here about Joe, he and I served aboard the U S S Belle Grove during the Vietnam War, he and I had some great time together. He was like a big brother to me, I wish him God Speed and fair winds. Your shipmate John
Joseph E. Harbinson
November 16, 1941 – August 19, 2020
A Private Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Clearwater for Joseph E. Harbinson, age 78, of Annandale, who passed away, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at the St. Cloud V.A. Medical Center. Reverend Dennis Backer will officiate. Burial, with full military honors, will be in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Joe was born on November 16, 1941 to Mathew and Mary (Sheridan) Harbinson in Litchfield, Minnesota; the youngest of nine children. He grew up in Forest City and attended Litchfield High School, graduating in 1959. After graduating from High School, Joe joined a commercial combining operation, helping farmers as far west as Montana with their harvest. In 1962, Joe enlisted in the United States Navy and honorably served his country aboard the USS Belle Grove LSD 2 as an EM2 Electrician. He would go on to serve four tours during the Vietnam War. After his service, Joe returned home and was united in marriage to Marly J. Smith on October 29, 1966 at St. Gertrude’s Catholic Church in Forest City. Joe worked for NSP/Xcel Energy, working his way up to Construction Electrician Superintendent, retiring in 1997 after 30 plus years of service. Joe took great pride in his work and the safety of his team. He was a member of the IBEW Local Union 160 and St. Luke’s Catholic Church.
Joe was a loving husband, father and grandfather, who loved to spend time with his family. Joe’s grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life. He loved to give them rides on his wheelchair and play Old Maid. Joe enjoyed going fishing, golfing and going for pontoon rides on Clearwater Lake. Prior to losing his sight and mobility, Joe could often be found in the garage “putzing” and tinkering around. Joe was 100% Irish and enjoyed sharing and celebrating his heritage.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Marly; children, Kim (Eric Schroeder) Harbinson of St. Paul, Joe (Katie) of Plymouth; grandchildren, Zach and Evan Schroeder and Sean and Maggie Harbinson; sister, Shelia (Jim) Palewicz; brothers, Tom and Jerry (Chris) Harbinson; sisters-in-law, Marlene and Nancy Harbinson and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Patti Harbinson and Joanne (Jack) Kaselnak; brothers, John, Jim (Betty), Harold “Bud”; and sister-in-law, Lucy Harbinson.
A special thank you to the staff of the St. Cloud V.A. Medical Center for their loving and compassionate care of Joe.
In lieu of flowers or memorials, prayers for Joe and his family are preferred.
Guestbook
We were so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Marly, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will miss his warm and genuine smile.
Very sad, Brielle and Brent are very sad for Marly and family. Sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with Marly and the entire family during this time. I will very much miss the visits I had with Joe and Marly. I enjoyed visiting with Joe, listening to his stories and brining him a cup of “good” coffee during his final months here at the VA. Joe was a wonderful guy and always had a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed. God bless, Nicole
My sincere condolences to you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I am very sorry for your loss.
I always enjoyed working on a job with Joe. He had a quiet demeanor, smiled a lot, and was fun to be around.
I am sad to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a genuine and very well respected person.
I am saddened to hear that he passed. He was a very warm, nice person.I am sure him will be missed by many. Prayers and blessings are sent.
Joe was one of my best friends. We had many days of hard work and laughs together. I’ll miss him. God bless his family and I will say more tha a few prayers for him.
As a classmate of Joe, I was saddened to hear of his passing. His beautifully written obituary was a testament to the kind and hardworking man he was. Sympathy to his family.
Judy Solmonson Clayton
I will miss your stories about family and helping you with your beer, peaunuts, pretzels and of course donut holes.It was my honor to help you.My love and blessings to Marly and family. Marcia
I learned so much from Joe in my early days at NSP. He was very patient and willing to explain things to a green engineer. He was greatly missed when he retired and will be even more now. My sincerest sympathies and prayers to Joe’s family. Sue McNelly
Joe was truly one of the most knowledgeable men in the industry that I have met and truly one of the good guys.
God bless,
Randy Silha