William Henry Harbeck's Obituary
DECATUR - In Loving Memory of William Henry Harbeck, "Bill" a beloved husband to Vicky and devoted father of Andy (Tatiana), Matt (Tanya), and Mike (Molly), passed away peacefully on May 12, 2024.
Born in Valparaiso, IN, on February 3, 1942, Bill faced life's challenges with resilience and determination from an early age. Growing up without much, he developed a strong sense of self-reliance and a determination to carve out his own path in the world. Bill proudly served his country as a veteran of the Army, stationed in Panama.
Bill had an immense love for running and his dedication to the sport was matched only by his unwavering passion for coaching. For over fifty years, Bill devoted himself to coaching track and cross country at Wheeler, Charleston, MacArthur, and Mt. Zion High Schools. He traveled countless miles to track meets, driving in beat up vans and school buses, culminating in the remarkable achievement of winning multiple State Championships and earning induction into the Hall of Fame. He helped start a summer track club called the Staley Striders, introducing kids to track at a younger age. The club traveled all across the country even to the famous Hershey, Pennsylvania Championship.
In addition to his coaching career, Bill and Vicky owned Del Carmen's Pizza and expanded to multiple locations. He enjoyed spending time with his four grandchildren, Thomas, Martin, Archie, Gus and his dog Charley. Though he may no longer run beside us or across the infield, his legacy will forever live on in the countless lives he touched, the athletes he inspired, and the love and guidance he bestowed upon his family. May he rest in peace.
Memorial visitation will be 2pm to 5pm, Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home.
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