Harold O. Ealy Jr.

Harold O. Ealy Jr.

Belle Plaine

Harold O. Ealy Jr., 95, of Belle Plaine, IA passed away March 3, 2024.

Harold was born January 6, 1929 in Belle Plaine, Iowa to Edna and Harold (Bus) Ealy. After his mother remarried, Harold was raised by his mother and stepfather, Leslie Brown. He graduated from Belle Plaine High School, class of 1947.

In 1948 Harold enlisted in the US Army. After completion of basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas, Harold volunteered for the 82nd Airborne in January of 1949. Harold completed jump school at Fort Benning, Georgia, that summer. After graduation from jump school, he was assigned to company C as a jump school instructor. Upon the onset of the Korean War, Harold volunteered for the Army Rangers. Upon finishing Ranger training, he shipped out to Korea. After arrival in Korea the Rangers were disbanded and he was given a choice of assignments. Harold chose to join the RCT/ 187th Airborne which was the only airborne unit in Korea. He was stationed there for one year and returned to the United States. He then made the decision to leave the service and was discharged at Fort Carson, Colorado. Harold’s military service was an important part of his life. As a proud veteran he attended many Airborne reunions. Harold would say “Rangers Lead the Way” which is the Ranger motto.

Harold was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, American Legion Post 39, Knights of Columbus, and the Korean War Association. Harold served on the Belle Plaine city council for 19 years. He was employed by Amana Refrigeration for 32 years before retirement in 1992.

Harold enjoyed camping with friends and family. As an avid reader he won many awards for the most books read from the library. He loved to spend time with friends and family entertaining all with stories of growing up and his time in the military. He especially enjoyed many trips to Alaska and attending Green Bay Packer games at Lambeau Field. He also went on two Honor flights to Korea where they were honored by the Government of South Korea. Harold also enjoyed many Knights of Columbus Camporee events with special friends Roger and Janet Prusha and Julian and Ruth Ann Van Thournout.

He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Karen; children, Christine (Tom) Grismer, Patricia Ann (David) Wells, Mary (Mark) Wohl, Cathy (Jim) Putney, and John Ealy. He has 12 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; along with several nieces and nephews as well as 3 brothers-in-law and 2 sisters-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his mother; father; stepfather; brother, Robert Ealy and both his father-in-law, John Conway and mother-in-law, Kay Conway.

There will be a visitation at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service, 1704 7th Ave., Belle Plaine, Iowa, on March 8 between 4 to 7 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 9 at St Michael Catholic Church 1304 9th Ave., Belle Plaine, at 11 a.m. Military Honors will be held following the service. Memorials may be directed to the family or the Belle Plaine Ambulance. Online condolence can be sent to www.neuhausfuneralservice.com.