Anthony Pius Harpenau

Anthony Pius Harpenau, age 95, of Fort Branch, Indiana, passed away at River Oaks Health Campus in Princeton, Indiana, on January 26, 2026. He was born on November 25, 1930, in Tell City, Indiana, to the late Carl and Lorena (Hagedorn) Harpenau.

Tony was a devoted member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Fort Branch. Following his service in the United States Army, he was employed by Emge Meat Packing Company for 34 years and later worked at Excel for 5 years. On October 13, 1956, he married Helen Schaefer, and together they raised four children. Tony took great pleasure in vegetable gardening, and his homegrown produce was well-known within the community.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 48 years, Helen Harpenau, who passed away in 2004; sisters, Margaret Davis and Roberta Meunier; and granddaughter, Erin Harpenau.

He is survived by his children, Marvin Harpenau and Melvin Harpenau, both of Princeton, IN; Betty (Don) Field of Olive Branch, MS; and Brenda Harpenau of Evansville, IN. He also leaves behind his sister, Rowena Waninger of St. Meinrad, IN; grandchildren, Erica Harpenau, Jared (Molly) Field, Preston (Iris) Field, Jordan Harpenau, Brandon (Haley) Kidd, Justin (Hailey) Kidd, and Dylan Kidd; as well as great-grandchildren, Callie Field, Tucker Field, Daxton Kidd, and one expected soon.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, with Father Gary Kaiser officiating. Visitation will be held at Holy Cross from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass, and an additional visitation will be offered on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., including recitation of the rosary at 3:30 p.m., at Stodghill Funeral Home in Fort Branch. Interment with Military Honors by the Veterans of Gibson County will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church. Condolences can be submitted at stodghillfuneralhome.com.