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Harold R. McKinney, 93, of Gladbrook, IA passed away Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Cedar Valley Hospice in Waterloo, IA. Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 30,2026, at the Gladbrook united Methodist Church in Gladbrook. Visitation will begin 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Military honors will be conducted outside the church following the service, concluding with lunch in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice, Gladbrook Methodist Church, or the Gladbrook Library. Anderson Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.
Harold was born on January 25, 1933. on a farm just east of Gladbrook IA, (aka the Doc Osborn Research Farm,) to Russell H. and Ella A. (Koester) McKinney. When Harold was 2mo. old, his family moved to a farm approximately 2 miles east of Beaman. He attended Beaman Consolidated School for 12 years, graduating at the top of his class in 1950.
Following graduation, Harold attended the Gale Institute in Minneapolis, MN where he trained to become a railroad telegraph operator and station agent, He began his railroad career with the Rock Island Railroad and later worked for the Minneapolis & St. Louis Rairoad. His railroad career took him to Monmouth, IL where he would meet the love of his life, Rose Mary.
In November of 1952, Harold enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Following basic training he was stationed at Scott Air Force Base near St. Louis MO.
On November 24, 1954, Harold and Rose Mary (Bevenour) were united in marriage at Scott Air Force Base.
Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1956, Harold had the opportunity to enter the insurance business, buying Dick Ruggs' Insurance Agency. On May 1, 1960, Harold and Rose Mary moved to Gladbrook, where he began operating the McKinney Insurance Agency. Throughout his career, Harold took great pride in serving his clients and community. He pursued extensive professional education, earning several insurance designations, and also shared his knowledge by teaching insurance classes.
Harold was a man who believed in hard work, service to others, and giving back to the community he called home. Over the years, he devoted countless hours to the betterment of Gladbrook. He served on the Gladbrook City Council, as mayor, and on the Water board. He was also a member of the Badger Hill Cemetery Board and served as its president for a time.
His commitment to service extended to his church and several fraternal and veterans' organizations. Harold was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church, a member of the American Legion for more than 50 years, and a Mason for more than 50 years. He was a member of the Olivet Lodge No. 436, where he served as Past Master.
Outside of his professional and community commitments, Harold enjoyed spending time in his workshop. He had a talent for working with his hands and took pleasure in transforming ordinary materials into something useful and beautiful. His projects included clocks, birdhouses, and, eventually, funeral urns. His woodworking was a reflection of his patience, craftsmanship, and the satisfaction he found in creating something with his own hands.
Above all, Harold treasured his family. His life was filled with the blessings of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and he took great pride in the generations that followed him. Harold will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his strong work ethic, his service to his country and community, and the many friendships he developed throughout his life.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 73 years, Rose Mary and his sons Gary S. McKinney and Martin A McKinney. 4 grandchildren, Dustin McKinney, Amy Swihart, Bradley McKinney, and Marc McKinney, and 8 great-grandchildren, Gabe, Thomas, Cooper, Hadley, Aric, Orin, Bruce, and Slater.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Ella McKinney, and his son, Thomas R. McKinney.
Harold had a saying he often shared, one that reflected his practical outlook on life and his appreciation for every day:
"Even a busted clock is right twice a day." And, as Harold would add. "Avery comforting thought when life goes a little awry."