Harlin “Harley” H. Babcock age 75 of Menomonie, died unexpectedly on Friday October 14, 2016 at his home in the Township of Weston, Dunn County.

Harlin was born September 15, 1941 in Warren County Illinois.  He was the son of Edward and Agnes (Davis) Babcock, and grew up in this area.  He attended Roseville High School in Roseville, IL.  As a young man, he moved to Seattle, WA and was then drafted into the U.S. Army-Airborne.  After the service, he returned to Roseville, IL.  Harlin married Emily Boyle June 15, 1968 in Burlington, IA.  After marriage they made their home in Elk Grove Village, IL.  Harlin started his own cabinet making business and in 1991 they moved to the Menomonie, WI area and continued his cabinet making business and also raised hogs.

Harlin enjoyed being outdoors.  Never one to sit still, he spent much of his time chopping wood, hunting and fishing.  He also tinkered in his wood shop on various jobs and projects.  Above all else, he enjoyed spending time with his grandkids…a kid at heart himself, his joy was contagious when he was around them.

Harlin is survived by his wife, Emily, a son Chris (Jennifer) of Naperville, IL; a daughter, Julie (Joe) Peplinski of Victoria, MN, four grandchildren, Elsa and Ryan Babcock, Emily and Richard Peplinski, two brothers, James (Alice) of Roseville, IL, John (Phyllis) of Portland, OR, one sister, Carol (Gerald) Becraft of Roseville, IL; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Martha Waddell, two brothers, Bill and Bob Babcock.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday October 21, 2016 at the Rhiel Funeral Home, 2317 Schneider Ave. SE, in Menomonie, with Rev. James Kurszynski officiating.  Burial will be at a later date.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the Funeral Home.

Condolences

1. Mary Greve October 22, 2016, at 8:28pm

   Julie, your dad was always so kind to me when we played at your house as kids. I know how much you love him and will pray that you and your family find peace and happiness through the memories you have of him.

2. David A Rice October 19, 2016, at 6:40pm

   Heaven gained a genius this week and I lost a close friend and father figure. Harlin would listen to my ideas and made them better than I would have ever imagined. I am a better man for having Harlin In my life. Everyday .....at the office and at home, I am surrounded by wonderful memories of his creativity. Thank You Harlin. I miss you.

   Emily, Julie and Chris my heart goes out to you. You have lost a wonderful husband and father so thank you for sharing Harlin with me.

3. Hank Hince October 17, 2016, at 7:40pm

   Harlin was a nice guy fun to work with on his projects like the hog house and other things. He was game to try almost any thing once and succeed with it most of the time. He will be missed by all who new him. I learned a lot from him hammering HANK

4. Craig Froke October 17, 2016, at 6:56pm

   We are so saddened over our dear friend Harlin's death. He literally changed our life with a masterful and creative remodel of our house. He was truly a genius at visioning and then implementing a plan. He was so helpful and creative in our remodel, in fact we became friends with him and Emily during the project and we miss him dearly!
   Emily, our hearts go out to you and your family in this time of sadness but you must know that your dear Harlin will be sorely missed by many, many others whos lives he touched by his creativity, workmanship, and inspiration.
   He and your family will be in our prayers.

5. Gregg L Zurek October 17, 2016, at 7:34am

   When you can’t remember if you ever fought with a friend and only remember times when they made you smile you know they were a true friend.

   Keith: Hey Harlin, how much glue should I use on this?
   Harlin: Is that Gregg’s glue your using?
   Keith: Yeah.
   Harlin: Load that *!@#$%^ up.

   Fishing trips were always good for a few more.
   “There ain’t no *!@#$% fish in this lake. It froze to the bottom last winter.”
   “That’s not a fish on the locator, it’s non-buoyant debris.”

   I learned so much from one of the smartest people I ever met. When puzzled on how to build something in the shop he once told me “Well !@&^%#$ Gregg. I know what’s wrong. You gotta be smarter than the material you’re working with.”
   He often said humor is a sign of intelligence and he definitely had both.

   We talked a lot on the phone when he moved to Wisconsin. We agreed that it sucked growing old. That although we had the ability to design anything we dreamed of we no longer had the energy to build it. That ‘good’ days were measured by how little pain we had that day.
   He left behind his wife Emily, his children Chris and Julie and their spouses, four grandchildren and countless friends. Words are never good enough to console a family who hurt more than you do. To my friend and my mentor I wish you eternal peace.

6. Berhausen October 16, 2016, at 6:34pm

   We loved Harlin very much, and are very grateful to have known him! We will always remember his smile. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. With love, The Berhausen Family

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