Obituaries
Gavin R. Harshbarger
April 26, 1963 - March 2, 2023
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VISITATION
March 16, 2023 | 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. -
Yurs Funeral Home
405 E. Main Street
St. Charles, Illinois 60174 - Funeral
- March 17, 2023 | 11:00 A.M.
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Bethlehem Lutheran Church
1145 N. 5th Avenue
St. Charles, Illinois 60174 -
Burial Location
Whitney Cemetery, Campton Township
Gavin Harshbarger, 59, died on March 2, 2023, at his home in St. Charles, Illinois. The son of Michael and Martha (nee Hinton) Harshbarger, Gavin was born April 26, 1963, in Champaign, IL, and attended elementary and junior high in Darien, CT. After graduating from St. Charles High School, Gavin earned an athletic scholarship to Southern Illinois University where he received a BA in Political Science and History in 1985.
A talented athlete, Gavin competed in gymnastics through junior high. Gavin was an outstanding athlete at St. Charles High School, in both Football (starting running back and free safety) and Track & Field in the triple jump (St. Charles East record holder, state medalist), long jump, 100, 200-yard dashes, and sprint relays. He continued to compete at the collegiate level on the nationally ranked Southern Illinois University Track & Field team in the triple jump and long jump, where he competed against two gold medal Olympians and world record holders (Carl Lewis and Mike Connelly).
Gavin’s competitive nature went beyond the fields that he played upon. Anyone that knew Gavin could tell you a story of how he made an everyday task into a competitive match—from who got the most Halloween candy to a casual family volleyball game, Gavin met everything he did with a competitive nature.
Those who knew Gavin appreciated his sense of humor, creativity, and love for telling stories and practical jokes. He would captivate his girls, young nieces and nephews, and their friends with his long, elaborate stories. One of Gavin’s favorite days of the year was April Fools. He practiced for this day months in advance with his family and friends. Nothing made Gavin happier than delivering a perfect prank with a great impersonation or fake situation.
Gavin loved his community very much and was proud to be from the St. Charles area. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and later Hosanna Lutheran Church and was a proud member of both the Bethlehem bowling and softball leagues. He enjoyed spending time with his extended family, telling stories, playing chess, and golfing.
Gavin was very proud of both of his daughters and was known to keep memorabilia of both Amanda and Katarina’s achievements throughout his home.
Gavin is survived by his daughters, Amanda Harshbarger and Katarina Harshbarger, both of Chicago, his mother, Martha Harshbarger of St. Charles, IL, his father, Michael (Maritza) Harshbarger of Hialeah, FL, his siblings, Greg Harshbarger, Grant (Kelly) Harshbarger, Gwyn (Drew) Zmolek, Ginger (Jim) Lidel, Gretchen (Nate) Weber, and Gus (Jessica) Harshbarger as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Visitation will be at Yurs Funeral Home, 405 East Main Street, St Charles, IL on Thursday, March 16, 2023 from 4-8:00 P.M. A Funeral Service will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1145 North Fifth Avenue, on Friday, March 17, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. burial will be at Whitney Cemetery, Campton Township. A reception will follow the burial.
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Condolences
Mary Fitzpatrick from St Charles, IL
"To the entire Harshbarger family, the Class of 81 lost a great one this week. Gavin was always a good friend to many and will be greatly missed. Unfortunately, I will be out of town next week, so I will be unable to attend his services. Please accept my condolences. RIP Gavin."
Rod Cregier from Tullahoma, TN
"RIP Gavin, you were always a fantastic teammate, and I will never forget your ability to soar. Although we didn't spend much time together after high school you were often in my thoughts. You will be greatly missed my friend! To Gavin's family and loved ones, may God bless and sustain you through this difficult time."
Kelly Turk Cook from West Chicago, IL
"So sorry for the loss of Gavin. Too young too soon."
Julie van Gyseghem from St Charles , IL
"Sending my thoughts and prayers to Gavin's family and friends, especially his girls. He is gone much too soon and will be missed greatly."
David Potter from Sycamore , IL
"Gavin was a Great Man , Great Friend and Fantastic Person. He will be Greatly missed . RIP Gavin. Love Ya Buddy"
Ron Neri from Indian River, MI
"My heart hurts. Man we had some great times!! I can’t think of a single time we weren’t having fun and laughing. I’ll see you on the other side pal. Forever my brother! Ron"
Richard Abrahamson from Chicago , IL
"So sorry for your loss."
Julie Small from St Charles, IL
"I will remember Gavin as always having a smile and a story. My thoughts and prayers to his daughters, family and friends. May he Rest in Peace."
Bob and Judy Manning from Hayward, WI
"So young, gone too soon. Sending comforting love and prayers."
Karen Schrock from South Elgin, IL
"My heart goes out to all of you at this difficult time."
Randy Jensen from Lake Barrington , IL
"Rest in peace, Gavin. We had some great times in those early days. The late night dart board competitions, running high hurdles over the living room couch in the Oakbrook apartment, till management had to kick us out. You will be missed. My sincere condolences to his family and friends."
Donna L Harshbarger Guerreroi from Tolono, AK
"My sympathies. Gavin was such an energetic adventurist man. We will all miss him. Wry, very sorry. Love D"
Douglas Horton from Geneva, IL
"So sadden to hear of Gavins passing. I have so many good memories of him in high school and beyond. He was a genuine guy with a great outlook. Rest in peace my friend."
Hilary DeRue from Wilmington , NC
"I just found out he passed. To the family. I am so sad to hear. I didn’t know until a few weeks ago. If you remember me I dated him many years ago before he married Andrea. I went to St Charles high school with he and Andrea. She and I were in band together. "