Donald E. Harbold

Donald “Don” Harbold (92) passed away peacefully on October 22, 2026. Born on February 15, 1934, in Indianapolis to Emmet and Gertrude Harbold, Don graduated from Howe High School and went on to receive a degree in mechanical engineering from the General Motors Institute. After a brief stint in the Army in 1957, Don went to work at General Motors, starting in manufacturing and assembly in Indianapolis and moving on to various management positions in Saint Louis and Youngstown before settling in Detroit. (The family was always excited by his weekend loaner perks, from large family vans to Corvettes!)

In 1964, Don married Jeanne Thies, later welcoming daughter Julie and son Dan. Two like-minded, adventurous souls, Don and Jeanne skied, played tennis, and worked as a team on numerous projects. “I think we can make that” was a common phrase in the Harbold family. After retiring in 1992, Don and Jeanne decided to make a go of life “up north” by moving to Traverse City in 1995. They kept active playing tennis and biking in the summer and skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Skiing was Don’s favorite sport; he held season passes at Crystal Mountain and took trips to Colorado, Canada, and the Alps. Don and Jeanne loved to travel and planned an overseas adventure every year in addition to a US tour. They visited most of the countries in Europe plus a few in Asia, Africa, and South America.

Don and Jeanne shared 51 loving years before Jeanne’s death in June 2015. To Don, family was his greatest asset. He loved spending time with his two children and six grandchildren.

In Traverse City, Don stayed busy with the Maritime Heritage Association, the Dennos Museum, the Economic Club, and the NMC Senior Academy. As a Dennos Museum docent for a number of years, he most enjoyed leading kids on tours, especially his visiting grandchildren. Don also enjoyed his time as a member of Mission Hill Church.

Don is survived by his daughter Julie and her husband, Tony Aliaga; his son Dan Harbold and his wife, Jen Lipford; grandchildren Isaac (Haley), Joshua, Lauren, and Benjamin Aliaga, and Frannie and Katie Harbold; his twin sister, Dorothy Thomas; and a large contingent of nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Don.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jeanne Harbold; his brother, Frederick; his sister, Marjorie; and his parents, Emmet and Gertrude. Don’s life will be celebrated at Mission Hill Church, 6105 Center Road, on Wednesday, October 28, with a visitation from 1:30–2:30 p.m., followed by a service at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be offered in Don’s name to the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy www.gtrrlc.org