Donald Harpenau, 98, Chrisney

Donald Harpenau, 98, of Chrisney, passed away on July 31, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on November 25, 1927, near St. Mark’s in Perry County, Indiana to Francis and Frances (Strobel) Harpenau.

Donald graduated from Tell City High School in 1946. He married Eleanor Bender of Siberia on April 27, 1950, and moved to their farm in Chrisney, where they raised eight children together.

Donald farmed and worked at Alcoa in the finishing department from 1965 to 1991. He was a faithful member of St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Chrisney, a devoted husband, and loving father.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife of 70 years, Eleanor, his son, Michael, his sisters, Marguerite Biever, Blanche Lavin, Doris Werne, Betty Werne and son-in-law Eric Ayer.

He is survived by his daughters, Donna Ayer of Rockport, Debbie (Ken) Ringeman of Kernersville, N.C., Sandy (Terry) Brockman of Lamar, Lisa (Mike) Daniel of Newburgh, Ann (David) Rogier of Ferdinand, Betty (John) Dilger of Garwin, IA, Christi (Mike) McCarthy of Crofton, MD and daughter-in-law Petite Harpenau of Marietta, GA. He is also survived by 22 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, and his sister Jeanette Gill of Sullivan.

Services for Donald will be held at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Chrisney, Indiana on Friday August 7, 2026, with mass starting at 10 A.M. central time. Father Phillip Rogier will be officiating. Burial will follow at St. Martin’s Catholic Cemetery in Chrisney, IN.

Visitation will be held at Boultinghouse Funeral Home Youngblood Chapel 36 East Market St. Chrisney, IN 47611 on Thursday August 6, 2026, starting at 3 P.M to 7 P.M. central time, and again at the church on Friday August 7, 2026 from 9 A.M. to 10 A.M. central time.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Martin’s Catholic Cemetery Fund Endowment.

Condolences may be left for the family at http://www.BoultinghhouseFuneralHome.com