PRINCETON - Harold L. Planthaber, 81, of Princeton went to heaven to be with his Lord Jesus on Jan. 3, 2021 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date with burial in Troy Grove Cemetery. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is assisting the family.

Harold was born Dec. 29, 1939 in Morrison to Clarence and Etta (Williams) Planthaber. He married the love of his life, Dora Callahan on Jan. 7, 1979 in Oregon, Ill. and received a beautiful gift of Dora’s four children and two grandchildren he lovingly helped to raise.

Survivors include his wife; one son, Danny Tastad, Jr. of LaSalle; two daughters, Diane (Jeff) Burhum of El Paso and Melissa Zwart of Streator; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one sister, Marian (Tom) Terry of Depue; and one brother, Henry Planthaber of Madison, Wis.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Margaret; one son, Kenneth Bauer, Jr.; three brothers, Floyd, Clarence and Wesley; one sister Margaret Terry, two grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Harold was a very hard worker, a great cook, an avid fisherman and had so much knowledge about nature, plants, animals and the weather. He never knew a stranger and always prayed for everyone. He will be greatly missed by his wife, children and his many friends.

Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolence may be left at www.merrittfh.com.