Graveside services for Harry E. Liab, age 88 of McIntosh, will be 2:00pm Saturday, March 10, at the McIntosh Cemetery with Tottie Lenerville, CLP.


Harry Edward Liab was born on March 22, 1918 to Edward and Pauline (Knopp) Liab near Java, SD. He had one sibling who died at birth, a sister Ella was adopted out at around age 4, and a brother Herman passed away at age 27.

Harry's father died in the late twenties and his mother married Steve Naums in the late 1930's. Harry grew up on a farm east of McIntosh as Harry Naums. It was told that as soon as Steve Naums passed away in 1972, that Harry took back to using his birth name of Liab. Harry worked on the Vilhauer farm for many years. At some point in his life, he moved into the Dakota Hotel owned by Harry and Laverna Kittelson where he lived for many years.


On May 4, 1984, Harry was moved to Mobridge where he lived in the Brown Palace Apartments. He was able to visit his mother a couple times a month as she was in the Selby nursing home. His Social Worker and friend John Riley was given guardianship on Dec 1st 1986, and Harry became a part of the Riley Family doing many things with them over the years.


Harry attended the Methodist Church with the Riley's until he was unable to get around any more. He loved to play his guitar and harmonicas making a joyful noise. He also loved trying to yodel and was not afraid to do this in public.


Harry entered the Mobridge Care Center in April of 1996 where he lived until being moved to Five Counties Nursing Home on June 14, 2000. He passed from this life there on Tueday evening, March 6, 2007 at the age of 88 years, 11 months, 14 days.


Harry is survived by one aunt, Emma Biel age 102, of Aberdeen, SD; and her daughter Genny and husband Leo Allmendinger of Selby, SD.