Harold C. Gildehaus

Harold C. Gildehaus, 88, of Washington, passed away on May 6, 2026. Mr. Gildehaus, son of the late Aloys Gildehaus and Susie nee Koch, was born on February 10, 1938, in Washington. He received his education from St. Francis Borgia Grade School. On May 28, 1960, he was united in marriage to Carolee Alferman at the St. Gertrude’s Church in Krakow.

Mr. Gildehaus was an avid woodworker, deer hunter, and took great pride in preparing exceptional barbecue for family and friends. Above all, his greatest joy in life was his family. He found true happiness in their company, sharing meals, laughter, and cherished moments. His warmth and generosity left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Tony Gildehaus; siblings, Elmer Gildehaus and wife Marcella, Richard Gildehaus and wife Corine, Orville Gildehaus and wife Betty, Larry Gildehaus, and Gilbert Gildehaus; brothers-in-law, Rich Straatmann, Merlin Kopmann, Bob Schuetz, Jerry Alferman, Floyd Meyer, and sister-in-law, Mary Lou Epple.

Among his survivors are his wife, Carolee Gildehaus of Washington; three sons, Mitch Gildehaus and wife Lucy of Krakow, Scott Gildehaus and wife Debra of Washington, and Dominic Gildehaus and wife Bridget of Washington; daughter-in-law, Connie Gildehaus of Washington; siblings, Dorothy Straatmann of Villa Ridge, Doris Kopmann of Marthasville, Janet Schuetz of Marthasville, David Gildehaus and wife Judy of Washington, and Carolyn Peters and husband Bob of Washington; eight grandchildren, Amanda Konrad and husband Eben, Alex Linkinhoker and husband Jason, Abbie Mayer and husband Jon, Heather Sloan, Jason Gildehaus and wife Andrea, Josh Gildehaus and wife Tonya, Dylan Gildehaus and wife Regan, and Austin Gildehaus and partner Matthew Williams; twenty great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law, Herb Alferman and wife Donna, Diane Meyer, Fritzie Alferman, Tom Alferman and wife Debbie, Tom Epple, Jim Heidman and wife Rosie, Mark Monzyk and wife Robin, Rick Alferman and wife Donna, and June Gildehaus; other relatives and many friends.

A visitation will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 3-8 p.m. at Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the St. Gertrude’s Church in Krakow. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Pregnancy Assistance Center or the St. Gertrude’s Cemetery Fund.

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