5 February 1940 – 5 October 2024

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Harlo, age 84, a beloved husband, friend, father, and grandfather who
passed away peacefully at home.

Harlo was born in Charles City, Iowa to Harold William and Evelyn Lois nee Munson Birkholz, after moving to Minneapolis as a child. He graduated from the Minneapolis Vocational High School and Technical Institute, Class of 1957. He had one brother Donald, who along with his parents and first wife have now passed.

In 1959 Harlo enlisted in the US Army, serving a tour as a Spec-4 Draftsman prior to beginning work at Litton Industries. He then wed
Maureen Webb of Salt Lake City, a marriage which produced his two daughters Elizabeth Birkholz and Jennifer Clark, who survive
him along with Jennifer’s children, Harlo’s grandchildren: Michael, Sarah, Gabriel, Nathanial, Ezekial and Jaylene Clark.

He was an accomplished artist, journalist, photographer, potter, crafter and drafter. Harlo moved to Mesquite in 1996 after retirement from Litton and was an active community volunteer. He established many programs for the community and was a Founding Member of The Greater Mesquite Arts Foundation (GMAF), Mesquite Community Theater (VVTG) and Virgin Valley Artists‘ Association (VVAA). He was also a reporter for the Desert Valley Times of Mesquite for many years.

Harlo remarried in 1998, to me, Kathleen Diane Danner, we were married for over 26 years, no children, just lots of kitties. We
collaborated and built three cabins in the mountains for summertime getaways. We enjoyed our busy life in Mesquite, NV with pottery,
theater and friends.

He did all of the above…but primarily, Harlo was a devoted family man whose wisdom, humor and kindness will be greatly missed.
He gave to the community – also, in doing so, the community gave to him; this was what completed him and I would like to personally
thank all who ever either helped or allowed Harlo to help them. This is what he lived for each and every day. Thank you.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a nearby Veterans Cemetery soon; in lieu of flowers donations may be made to either the Virgin Valley Theater Group (VVTG) or Virgin Valley Artists’ Association (VVAA.)

– Kathleen Birkholz

 

Harlo Birkholz 5 Feb 40 – 5 Oct 24