Obituary of Harold Walter Herensberger

Harold Walter Herensberger (Harry)
December 8, 1935 – March 25, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Harold Walter Herensberger, known to all as Harry, on March 25, 2025. Harry was born on December 8, 1935, in Montreal, Quebec, to parents Frederick Herensberger of Rorschach, Switzerland, and Bertha Halter of Rorschach, Switzerland. He was the youngest of six children, joining his siblings Ruth, Gladys, Phyllis, Ida, and his brother Fred.

Harry's early years were spent in various towns, where he attended Dufferin School, Speyside, Ontario, Montreal Public School, and Milton High School, all of which shaped his hardworking and dedicated character. In 1956, he married the love of his life, Lillian McIlmoyle, on October 6. Together, they created a family, raising three children: Stephen Frederick (1957–1965), Andrea Cecile (1963), and Andrew James (1967), who were the center of their world.

Over the years, Harry worked in many capacities: as a farmhand, chauffeur, beer delivery driver, elevator technician apprentice, part-time farmer, sales representative at the Coop, and in construction. He also started his own moving company, always demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and tireless work ethic.

In 1974, Harry and Lillian moved their family to Alix, Alberta, where they purchased Alix Auto Wreckers. The welcoming community of Alix quickly became their second family, and they made many lifelong friends. Harry and Lillian enjoyed running their business and participating in community activities until 1999, when Lillian passed away suddenly.

After Lillian's passing, Harry continued to run the business and, in the early 2000s, met his life partner Marilyn Honish. Together, they shared a fulfilling life and continued to run the business well into Harry's later years.

Outside of work, Harry was known for his love of adventure and community involvement. He enjoyed fishing trips with his brother and brothers-in-law, was a dedicated member of the Lions Club and Rotary Club, and loved river boat racing, curling, and volunteering with the Alix Warriors Hockey Team. He was always up for a good time and was known for his infectious humor. Harry’s nieces and nephews fondly remember his teasing ways, the butterfly pinches, and his ability to bring humor to every situation, especially when trouble loomed. He had a knack for lightening the mood and making everyone laugh, even in tough times.

Harry was predeceased by parents Frederick and Bertha Herensberger; wife Lillian MclImoyle; son Stephen Herensberger; step son Calvin Honish; brother Frederick Herensberger; sister Phyllis Duchesneau; brothers-in-law: Bob Reed, Ron Boyce, James McEachern and Nicholas Duchesneau and nephew Frederick Lee Herensberger.

Harry is survived by his life partner Marilyn Honish; his children:  Andrea Swanson (Robert Stanley), Andrew Herensberger (Kelly); grandchildren:  Megan Reid (Addison), Erin Herensberger (Sebastien Banchero); step grandchildren: Justin Ritchie (MacKenzie), Krista Ritchie, Eligh Honish, Aryiah Honish, Theo Honish; great grandchildren:  Xavier Reid, Archer Reid, Remington Reid, Adrianna Banchero Herensberger, stepson Daryl Honish; stepdaughter-law Lisa Honish; sisters: Ruth Boyce, Gladys McEachern and Ida Reed; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their children and grandchildren and many dear friends.

Celebration of Life

Alix Community Hall, Alix, Alberta

Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 1:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Saving Grace, Box 461, Erskine, Alberta T0C 1G0 or to the Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter, Box 561, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 5G1.