Harold Gene Kloberdanz

Harold Gene Kloberdanz, Col. USAF (Ret), passed away September 7, 2013 at the age of 82. He was born June 9, 1931 in Sterling, Colorado to Jacob Frank and Martina Marie Kloberdanz.

Harold graduated from St. Anthony's Catholic School in Sterling, CO. He went on to graduate with two Bachelor degrees and a Masters Degree from Colorado State and the University of Colorado.

In September of 1953 he joined the Air Force and earned his pilot's wings in October, 1954. He logged over 6, 000 hours flying time during his career. Harold served over 24 years in the Air Force retiring at the rank of Colonel in June of 1977. His Air Force assignments were many but he considered the highlight of his career to be with the Plans & Policy Division at the Pentagon. He was proud to be a member of the staff that wrote the Air Force Plans and Policies for the return of the prisoners of war from Hanoi. In addition he served tours in Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and was a member of Operation Deep Freeze Task Force for two years. His last duty assignment was Command of Resource & Management at Moody Air Force Base, Valdosta, GA. During his career he received many decorations including the Legend of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

He retired with his wife and two children in Valdosta, Georgia where he managed the Orvis Company from 1978 to 1997. He is a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church where he was instrumental in the completion of the renovation and addition of school buildings at St. John's Catholic School. One of the buildings is named in his honor and he was awarded the Bishop Gartland Service Award by the Catholic Diocese of Savannah.

Harold is preceded in death by his wife of 50 years Verna Lee Kloberdanz; his parents, Jacob and Martina Kloberdanz; two sisters, Mildred Tarbox and Beverly Hartman; and one brother, Kenneth Kloberdanz. He is survived by his second wife, Connie Hayden Kloberdanz; a brother, Paul E. Kloberdanz and wife Kaye; his son, Marshall G. Kloberdanz and wife Bonnie; his daughter, Ellen K. Kloberdanz and her life partner Julie Workman; a grandson, Christopher G. Kloberdanz; a great-granddaughter, Kaylee Lowry; two brothers-in-law, Jack Hartman and Bus Tarbox; three step-sons, Bruce Hayden and wife Lisa, Kevin Hayden, and David Hayden and wife Cathy; five step-grandsons, Patrick, Matt, Taylor and Curt Hayden, and John Zeigler; and many nieces and nephews.

The Funeral Mass for Mr. Kloberdanz will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 11, 2013, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, with Father Raymond Levreault officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Riverview Memorial Gardens. The Rosary Service will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 10, 2013, at the church, with visitation to follow at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to St. John's Church Building Fund, 800 Gornto Road, Valdosta, GA 31602. Condolences may be conveyed to the family at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home, Valdosta.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602