Harold Edgar Scace

Harold Edgar Scace, age 77, of Elizabeth, IL, passed away Monday, March 20, 2023 at his home. Cremation rites have been accorded and a graveside memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Elmwood Cemetery in Warren, IL. Following the service, a luncheon will be held at the Elizabeth Community Building.

Harold was born April 7, 1945 in Seymour, WI, the son of Austin and Elizabeth (Mullen) Scace. He grew up near Gratiot, WI where he began farming at a young age. Throughout high school, Harold farmed for the Wick family, who grew to be honorary parents of his. He’d perform whatever needed to be done on the farm, and would pick up milk to take to the creamery.

Not long after graduating from Gratiot High School, Harold was drafted into the United States Army. He dutifully served his country in the Vietnam War as part of a motorpool unit within the 1st Cavalry. Harold used to boast to his family that he could drive those trucks all the way down the mountain with no brakes, only shifting gears.

In 1970, Harold married Lois Kriebs. They purchased a farm in the Elizabeth area and began their family. They had three children and farmed for more than 30 years. During this time Harold drove for M&W, hauling feed, and owned and operated Elizabeth Sale Barn.

As Harold entered his elder years, he focused his attention on the simple things in life that brought him happiness. He made it his mission to find every darn morel in northwest Illinois, and loved to play cards with friends and “enemies,” alike. Sometimes taking money from the “enemies” was a bit more fun! Spending most of his life in a poorly insulated farmhouse, Harold spent countless hours chopping wood over those years. But even later in life, with the necessity long since passed, he still enjoyed his wood chopping, even going so far to chop plenty extra to deliver to his family and friends. It became a way for him to unwind, and more importantly, a way he could be of use to those for whom he cared. In keeping with his helpful spirit, Harold’s last accomplishment was teaching Dr. Mike how to make hay.

Harold was a life-long avid Green Bay Packer fan, with one of his favorite memories of them, being listening to their 1966 Super Bowl win while stationed in Vietnam. He loved his Packers, his family, and his Oreos. In fact, he was would often enjoy all three at once; watching every game, while sneaking an extra Oreo or two to his grandkids.

Harold is survived by his children, Brenda (Randy Meinsma) Toot, of Elizabeth, Brian (Char) Scace, of East Dubuque, and Harold (Kimberly) Scace, Jr., of Woodbine; nine grandchildren, Katelyn (Brandon) Hilton, Taylor Gonzalez, Channing (Nathan) Barker, Britnea (Connor) Krippendorf, Rachael Scace, Makenna (Benjamin) Hayes, Kiernan Scace, Kendra Scace, and Gunner Scace; three great-grandchildren, Grayson, Cullen, and Diego; two sisters, Thora (Dave) Bradbury and Corlyn (Todd) Rutter; brother, Sam Scace; sisters-in-law, Gloria Scace and Dee Scace; and brother-in-law, Dave Kentner; and honorary mother, Catherine Wick.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Austin and Elizabeth; grandchildren, Chelsea and Marissa; sisters, Lorraine (Merle) Bardell, Joyce (James) Bradbury, Julie Bear, and Virginia Kentner; brothers, Charles Scace, Harry Scace, Steven Scace, Edgar Scace, and Stanley (infant); sister-in-law Jaunita Scace; and honorary father, Clarion Wick.