Jean M. (Klaumann) Harber

Obituary for Jean M. Harber

Jean Marie Harber (née Klaumann), 104, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2025, at Credo Assisted Living in Belleville, Kansas. She was just one month shy of her 105th birthday. A lifelong resident of Belleville, Jean lived independently in her own home until 2023, a reflection of her remarkable longevity, resilience, and spirit.

Born on December 27, 1920,  the second child and daughter of Charles J. and Millie (Worman) Klaumann, Jean began her career in public service working for the Belleville city office from 1939 to 1946.

On October 20, 1946, Jean married Olen Harber at the Methodist Church in Belleville. Olen, born June 17, 1919, was the son of Clarence and Martha (Woods) Harber and proudly served his country during World War II. Together, Jean and Olen operated “Harber’s Velvet Ice Cream” at 1205 M Street, a beloved local business known for its famous Whirla Whip ice cream treats. Jean provided job opportunities for many of Belleville’s youth who worked alongside her in the ice cream shop, and she was widely known for her hospitality, kindness, and dedication to the community.     Jean was amazed and pleased at the number of “now grown-up-kids” who remembered her and 5 cent ice cream cones and 10 cent whirla whips.

Olen passed away on September 18, 1974. Jean continued to call Belleville home,  residing at 1114 21st Street. Her homemade pies, always a favorite at family gatherings, became part of the cherished memories shared by those who loved her.

Jean was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women in Belleville, where she formed lifelong friendships and served with devotion.

She is survived by her niece Jennifer Zenger and husband Nick of Cuba, Kansas; nephew Andy Purdy and wife Renee of Salina, Kansas; and nieces Kathryn Lee Bell of Dodge City, Kansas, Linda Lee Quinby of Newberg, Oregon, and Sharon Lee-Lyon of Eugene, Oregon.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Olen Harber (1974); her sisters Doris Lee (2001) and Lela Purdy (2013); and her niece, Charlotte Purdy Gjersvig (2013).

At Jean’s request, cremation has taken place.   Graveside Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Belleville Cemetery, Belleville, Kansas with inurnment to follow.

Friends may call to sign the register book from 1 PM until 6 PM, Friday, April 10, 2026 at the Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS where the family will greet friends from 5 PM until 6 PM on Friday, April 10th.

Jean Marie Harber will be remembered for her warmth, quiet strength, and the many lives she touched over more than a century. Her legacy endures in the community she loved and served.

Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, 1322 19th St, Belleville, KS is assisting the family.

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