Harold G. Birchard

BIRCHARD, DRISCOLL, MCKAY, MEGONIGLE, MICHELS, MILLER, ROTH, SIGMAN

Posted By: Cindy (email)
Date: 1/21/2026 at 16:22:52

Harold G. Birchard, 101, passed away on January 15, 2026, at his home in Independence, Iowa.

He was born on December 25, 1924, in Hazleton, IA, the son of Gordon and Gertrude (Michels) Birchard. He grew up in Hazleton, IA and graduated from barber school at the age of 17. He then started barbering in Oelwein. Harold came to Independence and worked at Scanlon’s Barber Shop until he opened his own shop in the 1960’s. He retired in 2001.

On May 2, 1945, Harold married Beverly Jean Driscoll at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein, IA. Together they made their home in Independence and had six children. Beverly passed away on May 24, 2018.

Harold enjoyed his Sunday morning drives with his son, Steve. He liked to travel and rode motorcycles for many years. Harold also used to hunt and fish. He enjoyed his grandchildren and loved the monikers they gave him… Grandpa, Tach, and Buddy.

Harold is survived by his children; Michael, LaGrange, TX; Steven (Cheryl), Tony (Krista), Independence, IA; Bill (Kelly), Rowley, IA; Laurie (Mark) McKay, Independence, IA; and Beverly Roth, Sioux Falls, SD; thirteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, brothers; Leo (Joanne) and Robert (Edith) Birchard, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 73 years, siblings; Jason, Doris Megonigle, Genevieve Birchard, Lucille Miller, Rita Sigman, Barbara Lewis, grandson Eric McKay, son-in-law, Jerry Roth, and two daughters-in-law; Lorraine Birchard and Susan Birchard.