Harold Norman Homburg

Homburg, Harold Norman MONONA-Harold Norman Homburg, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2015, at the age of 87, from natural causes.      Harold was born in the Town of Sun Prairie, on Feb. 25, 1928, to Chris and Anita Homburg. He spent his childhood years in the midst of a loving, hard-working farm family, the seventh of nine children. Harold met the love of his life, Shirley Landsness, when he drove her and other rural students to Madison East High School. Shirley was always ready early, so she could claim the seat next to Harold. They married on June 23, 1951, at Bethel Lutheran Church. After his marriage, he served his country in the Korean War.       Harold and Shirley enjoyed 62 years together in Madison and Monona, building their businesses, and raising their family. For Harold, family was always the most important priority in his life. However, business ranked a close second. Following the war years, Harold worked for a local construction company, building roads and shaping the topography of Madison. Harold and Shirley started a small family business in 1969, Homburg Equipment, Inc. In 1971, Harold and a number of partners formed Homburg-Olp Construction Co. Through the years, Harold and his two sons, Chris and Andrew, purchased the stock of the company. In 1983, they renamed the business to Homburg Contractors, Inc. Harold was one of the original founders of Monona State Bank, organized in 1991. He was very proud to be part of bringing a local bank back to the eastside community. Harold was an active member of the Board of Directors since the inception of the bank.       Harold's years were graced by helping, one at a time, countless people. Money to buy tires. A job when one evaporated. A place to live when life turned turbulent. A meal to share to boost someone's spirits. A reference or connection to help life go in a new and better direction. A second chance. A third chance. Always with the admonitions, "give it the gas" - keep moving forward, and "be happy." Harold also gave back tremendously to his community, supporting church, local sports teams and many charitable causes, and he was a member of the Elks Club and the Four Lakes Yacht Club.       Family. The central purpose of his existence. To care for, teach, love and make life better for his family. How blessed we have been. He is survived by his daughter, Annette Durkin; sons, Chris (Janet) and Andrew (Sandy); and his grandchildren, Alex (Meghan) Durkin, Chris Durkin, Hayley Homburg Brooks (Matt), Lauren, Valerie and Mitchell Homburg; great-grandchildren, Madeleine and Susan Durkin; his sisters, Margaret Hanson and Florence Melahn; a brother, Rodney Homburg (Bev); a sister-in -law, Annette Hendrickson (Dan); and many nieces and nephews.      A funeral service will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave. Madison, at 10 a.m., on Saturday, July 18, 2015, with Pastor Curt Everson presiding. A visitation will be held at the GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, on Friday, July 17, 2015, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., and at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. A private burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park.           Memorials in honor of Harold may be made to Olbrich Botanical Society, or to a local organization of your choice. Shirley is saving a seat now for Harold in that beautiful high school farm truck. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420