On July 31, 2022, Harry Zaborski, of Colby, formerly of Goodland,
entered into eternal rest at the age of 99 years old. Harry led a joyful
life filled with faith, family and an unquenchable love of the
outdoors. He was born September 11, 1922, in Toledo, Ohio to Walter and
Lottie and the oldest son of six siblings. He attended Nativity Catholic
School. The effects of the Depression made employment scarce, and Harry
needed to help support his family. At the age of 15 he joined Civilian
Conservation Corp, which provided work under President Franklin
Roosevelt.
His unit was deployed to the mountains of Montana joining the many young
men from all over the county to replenish the millions of trees in the
forest lands made barren from fires and lumbering. Harry often talks of
this experience as having a major influence on his life surrounded by
the beauty of “Mother Earth.”
After two years in Montana, Harry returned to his family in Ohio where
he found work at Willey’s Overland on an assembly line building Jeeps
for our military’s use overseas. It was here that Harry met his future
bride, Miss Helen Bitker.
During this time, World War II was raging overseas and in 1943, Harry,
along with five of his best pals, enlisted in the United States Army.
Due to his prior experience at Willey’s Overland, Harry was assigned to
be a mechanic for the military’s wheeled vehicles with a rank of CPL/T5.
During his deployment, he served in Normandy, France, the Ardennes,
Belgium, and Rhineland, Germany. He never spoke of the horrific battles
and war experience keeping those dark memories and scars hidden, other
than to say that he would never forget his five closest friends who did
not make it home.
Upon discharge, Harry and Helen were married on October 27, 1945, in
Aberdeen, Maryland, settling back in Toledo, Ohio. Longing for the
mountains of his youth, Harry and his family eventually relocated to
Denver, Colorado where he made his living as an electrical and
maintenance supervisor for the Public Service Company of Colorado. He
enjoyed golfing and fishing trips with the family in the Rocky
Mountains.
Harry was a member of the Knights of Columbus, which sponsored many
activities at St. Clara’s Orphanage. Harry and Helen always looked
forward to inviting 2 or 3 children from the orphanage to spend the
holidays with their family.
Upon retirement, the couple moved to Brewster, KS. After 38 years of
marriage, the couple separated, but because of their faith, never
divorced. Harry moved to Goodland to be close to his daughter Judy and
her family. He was always busy volunteering at OLPH Catholic Church,
building birdhouses, biking, fishing, golfing and bird watching. He
enjoyed drawing pictures, scrapbooking and telling stories. He had a
tremendous imagination that entertained the grandkids with silliness and
laughter.
He never met a stranger and was appreciative of all the kindhearted
folks of Sherman County who would always take time to stop and visit
with “this old grandpa Poppi,” while pedaling around town. Eventually,
moving to Prairie Senior Living complex in Colby, he was very
appreciative for the elder care under Dr. Matchell, Brian Unruh, and the
nursing staff while enjoying the many activities provided by the
community.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Lottie; six
siblings; Daniel, Helen, Doris, Christine, Alice and Gloria, of Ohio,
wife Helen and daughter, Joanne Stephens. Survivors include daughter
Judy (Jim) McKee, of Brewster, son-in-law Paul Stephens, of Colby, 11
grandkids, 32 great grandkids and 4 great-great grandchildren.
There will be a Rosary at 9:30 a.m. CST, followed by the Funeral Mass at
10:00 a.m. CST Saturday, August 6, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic
Church, in Colby, with Father Brian Lager officiating, followed by
interment at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Colby.
Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby VFW or Goodland Library and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com