Elwood Dean Harebo

Elwood Harebo quietly passed away on October 31, 2025, at the age of 93. A lifelong resident of the La Crosse community, Elwood will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know him.

Born on June 16, 1932, to Oscar and Annie Harebo, Elwood grew up in La Crosse and graduated from Logan High School in 1950. During his time at Logan, he was active in the band and orchestra and competed on the track and football teams. Elwood’s connections to Logan remained strong throughout his life, even chairing the high school reunion committee for his 70th reunion.

In 1953, Elwood married Mary Johnson, and together they raised two daughters, Lori Peterson (Jeff) and Tami Hutson (Mike). He cherished his family above all else and shared a special bond with his grandchildren, Jennifer Johnston (Jason) and Bennett Hutson (Jessica), and great-granddaughter, Maya Johnston. He was excited about his second great-granddaughter who is due to be born in December to Bennett and Jessica. He is also survived by his sister, Ardythe Davis (Steve); nieces Cheri Everson (Al), Kay Wilhite (Bruce), and Roz Hundt (Tom); and by Mike’s children, Nicholas Hutson, Katherine Hutson and her family, and Jessica Polakowski and her family.

Elwood was preceded in death by his infant sons, Peter and Paul; his brother, Arthur Harebo (Marie); his brother-in-law, Ed Timm; and many other dear family members and friends.

Elwood began his career at the Trane Company in 1950 but paused his work to serve his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1952-1954. He was stationed in Alaska for 18 months before returning home to resume his career at Trane. Over the decades, he worked in various roles and continued through the company’s transitions to Altec and later, Chart Industries. When he retired, Elwood was proud to say he had dedicated nearly 51 years to the same workplace.

Elwood was grateful for the opportunity to go on the Freedom Honor Flight on May 3, 2015. He regularly supported the organization by participating in “send offs” and “welcome homes” for area veterans’ Honor Flights to Washington, D.C.

Elwood directed the Cavalets Baton and Drum Corps for 13 years, mentoring countless young people, and later became a respected umpire and sports official. Known throughout the community for his fairness and enthusiasm, he received lifetime recognition from the WIAA for his distinguished officiating career. He also received the distinction of joining the Logan Wall of Fame. He retired from officiating at age 83 but continued to work the sidelines at UW-L games until age 90.

Beyond sports, Elwood was proud of his involvement with Oktoberfest. Serving as the Torchlight Parade Marshal in 1991 was among his most treasured honors. Even as his memory faded in later years, a visit from the Oktoberfest royalty in October 2025 brought him joy. He still remembered many of the words to the songs they sang with him.

Elwood loved to cook and enjoyed his time tending to his garden and decorating his house for holidays. In his later years, he enjoyed volunteering his time by replacing watch batteries, completing hundreds of repairs for Good Steward Thrift Store.

Elwood’s family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at Hearten House III for the compassion and dignity they showed him, and to St. Croix Hospice for their support during his final days. Special thanks also to Pastor Scott Skogen for his faithful visits and spiritual guidance.

Elwood’s life was one of dedication to his family, his community, and his faith. His steady presence, good humor, and kind heart will be remembered by all who knew him.

Visitation and services will be held on November 11, 2025, at North Presbyterian Church, 1327 North Salem Road, La Crosse with visitation at 9:30AM, and services beginning at 11:00AM. A lunch will follow at the Church.

Donations may be made to North Presbyterian Church, Freedom Honor Flight, PO Box 505, La Crosse, WI 54602; La Crosse Festivals Inc. /Oktoberfest Parade Marshals Fund, 1 Oktoberfest Strasse, La Crosse, WI 54601; or The La Crosse Salvation Army, 223 8th Street N., La Crosse, WI 54601.