Robert Harpenau

Robert Eugene Harpenau, a devoted servant of God, loving patriarch, and respected business leader, went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 13, 2025, at the age of 89. He passed away peacefully at his home in Troy, Indiana surrounded by his cherished family.

Born in Tell City, Indiana on July 26, 1936, to Jacob and Helen Harpenau, Bob built his life on a foundation of unshakable faith and a diligent work ethic. After tragically losing his father in a coal mine accident at an early age, Bob went on to graduate from Tell City High School, serve his country in the armed services, then embarked on a career that would become a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and integrity.

As the founder of Harpenau Insurance, he grew the business from a small start-up to a thriving enterprise, guided by the Christian principles of honesty and service to others. He believed that true success was not measured by wealth, but by the positive impact one had on their community.

Beyond his professional achievements, Bob’s greatest source of pride was his family. He married his beloved wife Janice Feldpausch in 1956, beginning a lifelong partnership built on mutual faith and devotion. Together, they raised 3 children, Richard, Paula, and Lisa, instilling in them the values of compassion, hard work, and loyalty. He was a doting Grandfather and Great-Grandfather, known for his wisdom, his stories, and his infectious laugh.

A faithful member of St. Pius Catholic Church for over 60 years, Bob served in many capacities, including Parish Council, Religious Education, Building Committee, and his passion for winding and maintaining the iconic Church Clock – a cherished landmark in Troy. His faith was the cornerstone of his life, inspiring him to serve others through his support for numerous charities and his quiet, generous acts of kindness toward those in need. The Bible Verse that best describes Bob is from 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

The family would like to extend a special thanks to his wonderful caregivers and Heart to Heart Hospice all who kept Bob as comfortable as possible while he prepared for his journey.

Bob is survived by his wife of 69 years, Janice Harpenau, his children, Richard Harpenau (Pam), Paula Simon Stiles (Barry), Lisa Cole (Randy), his brothers, David Harpenau, Mark Hagedorn, Tim Hagedorn, his sister, Mary Alice Becher Weyer, his grandchildren, Michael Simon (Jenna), Greg Simon (Tracy), Andy Simon (Morgan), Ben Harpenau (Stephanie), Emily Wright (John), Alex Cole (Kelsey), Natalie Lyons (Jared), Mathew Cole (Carolyn), Nichole Roesch (Zach), James Tsimekles ( Jennesy), Allison Green (Kyle), step-grandchildren, Bradley Stiles (Hannah), and Benjamin Stiles (Bethany), and 25 great-grandchildren.

Preceding Bob in death were his brother, Charles Harpenau, sisters, Janet Lemaire and Kristine Anne “Jackie” Harpenau, and son-in-law, Daniel “Frank” Simon.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating his life and legacy will be held on Tuesday, September 16th, 2025, at St. Pius Church in Troy, Indiana at 10:00am CST.

Visitation will be on Monday, September 15th, 2025, from 2:00 to 7:00 pm and on Tuesday from 8:30 to 9:15 am at Zoercher-Gillick Funeral Home in Tell City.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Pius Catholic Church.

Condolences may be left at zoercher-gillickfuneralhome.com

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful one”

(Psalm 116:15)

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