Gayle K. Harnishfeger

March 18, 2025 at 9:12 a.m.


Gayle K. Harnishfeger, age 70, of Brookville died Friday, March 14, 2025 at her residence in Brookville.

Born January 12, 1955 in Batesville, she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Gertrude (Baas) Richter.  On June 9, 2013 she was united in marriage to Jerry F. Harnishfeger, and he preceded her in death on January 7, 2015.  

Gayle was retired, having been a nurse for many years at the Brookville Healthcare Center in Brookville.  In her leisure time she enjoyed restoring her Massey Ferguson tractors, and going to tractor shows.  She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, and another favorite pastime was going out for a good meal with her family.  

She was a member of the Franklin County Antique Machinery Club, and had been a member of Sunman Rescue 20 for many years.

Survivors include three children, Lauri Ann (Mark) Sturwold of St. Leon, Tommy D. Burns of Sunman and Douglas S. Burns of Aurora; four grandchildren, Lauren (John) Miller, Hayley Sturwold, Brandon Sturwold, and Emma Sturwold; a step-son, Eric (Tammy) Harnishfeger, and their children, Layne (Lauren) Harnishfeger and Ashley Harnishfeger, two great-grandchildren, Emalyn & Kamryn; a sister, Donna McCool of Penntown and a brother, Roger Richter of Sunman; a sister-in-law, Joanne Harnishfeger-Sottong.  Gayle was a great mother, and a friend to many.

In addition to her parents and husband, Jerry, she was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Terry Richter and a brother-in-law, Allen McCool.

Private burial will take place in St. Paul Cemetery in Sunman.         

A Celebration of Life will be held for family & friends on Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 1 till 4:00 p.m. at the Sunman Community Building, 219 Fitch Avenue, Sunman, Indiana 47041. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Sunman Fire Department.   The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home are honored to serve the family of Gayle Harnishfeger, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences, please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.

Paid obituary

Gayle K. Harnishfeger, age 70, of Brookville died Friday, March 14, 2025 at her residence in Brookville.

Born January 12, 1955 in Batesville, she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Gertrude (Baas) Richter.  On June 9, 2013 she was united in marriage to Jerry F. Harnishfeger, and he preceded her in death on January 7, 2015.  

Gayle was retired, having been a nurse for many years at the Brookville Healthcare Center in Brookville.  In her leisure time she enjoyed restoring her Massey Ferguson tractors, and going to tractor shows.  She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, and another favorite pastime was going out for a good meal with her family.  

She was a member of the Franklin County Antique Machinery Club, and had been a member of Sunman Rescue 20 for many years.

Survivors include three children, Lauri Ann (Mark) Sturwold of St. Leon, Tommy D. Burns of Sunman and Douglas S. Burns of Aurora; four grandchildren, Lauren (John) Miller, Hayley Sturwold, Brandon Sturwold, and Emma Sturwold; a step-son, Eric (Tammy) Harnishfeger, and their children, Layne (Lauren) Harnishfeger and Ashley Harnishfeger, two great-grandchildren, Emalyn & Kamryn; a sister, Donna McCool of Penntown and a brother, Roger Richter of Sunman; a sister-in-law, Joanne Harnishfeger-Sottong.  Gayle was a great mother, and a friend to many.

In addition to her parents and husband, Jerry, she was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Terry Richter and a brother-in-law, Allen McCool.

Private burial will take place in St. Paul Cemetery in Sunman.         

A Celebration of Life will be held for family & friends on Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 1 till 4:00 p.m. at the Sunman Community Building, 219 Fitch Avenue, Sunman, Indiana 47041. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Sunman Fire Department.   The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home are honored to serve the family of Gayle Harnishfeger, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences, please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.

Paid obituary

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