Harold Miskel Obituary

Harold Eugene
Miskel
November 16, 1941
October 10, 2025

Harold Eugene Miskel, 83, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away at home on Friday, October 10, 2025.
Harold was the third child born to Vaughn and Thelma (Davis) Miskel on November 16, 1941, in Clinton, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents; his eldest sibling, Lois Neeley; and his brother, Edward "Bud" Miskel.
From an early age, Harold excelled both academically and athletically. He was proud to play on the offensive line for the Clinton Red Tornadoes football team and to have been part of the team that won the District Championship in his senior year.
After graduation, Harold enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves, where he proudly served for 24 years and rose to the rank of Command Sergeant Major. His service reflected his lifelong commitment to integrity, leadership, and community.
Shortly after high school, Harold met the love of his life, Karen Smith. The two married in 1961 and moved to Colorado Springs, where they built a happy, successful life together and raised their daughters.
Harold earned his Bachelor of Business degree with an emphasis in Marketing from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Professionally, he began his career working as a night auditor at The Broadmoor and then selling insurance before finding his calling at Colorado Springs Utilities, where he worked for 33 years. He made enduring contributions to the City's growth and sustainability, helping ensure safe and reliable utility services for generations to come.
Harold played an integral role in developing the Arkansas River Exchange Decree, securing long-term water reliability for Colorado Springs by allowing the City to maximize its transmountain water supplies. In recognition of his vision and dedication, the Colorado Springs City Council passed a resolution in December 2024 naming a future reservoir in his honor — the Harold Miskel Reservoir, located approximately 16 miles southeast of the City.
Throughout his career, Harold helped lead the unification of the City's utility department into a City-owned enterprise in the 1990s, oversaw the creation of the Colorado Springs Utilities brand, and supported volunteer and giving programs that continue to benefit the community today.
His leadership extended well beyond his formal career. Harold served on the Colorado Water Conservation Board, the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District Board, and was honored as a lifetime member of the Colorado Water Congress. In recognition of his lifelong service, Harold received the prestigious Wayne N. Aspinall "Water Leader of the Year" Award in 2016, which honors individuals who exemplify courage, dedication, knowledge, and leadership in the protection and preservation of Colorado's water — qualities Harold embodied throughout his life.
Away from work, Harold loved the Colorado outdoors. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. His wife and daughters cherish memories of countless adventures in their little Shasta trailer — and of Harold's fearless driving along narrow, rugged jeep trails in his full-size 1972 Chevy Blazer, thrilling and terrifying them all at once. He also loved the quiet challenge of golf, not just for the game itself but for the camaraderie and connection it offered. And on autumn afternoons, few things made him happier than watching football and cheering on the Denver Broncos.
Harold was a passionate wine enthusiast with an exceptional palate — a true connoisseur. He and Karen shared many memorable trips to the wine regions of California and Oregon, exploring vineyards, meeting winemakers, and savoring bottles with friends and family. His wine cellar was a source of pride and admiration to all who saw it — a reflection of his appreciation for craftsmanship, good taste, and the joy found in life's finer moments.
Harold was a passionate man with a brilliant mind — kind, generous, and blessed with a wonderful sense of humor, often touched with a bit of good-natured mischief. He deeply loved his God, his family, his friends, and his community. His impact reaches farther than we may ever know. His passing leaves a profound void in the lives of those who loved him, and his absence will be felt forever.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Karen; his daughters: Melissa Verdeal (Vic, deceased); Lori Miskel and her husband, John Rowe; and his chosen daughter, Tish Olszewski. He is also survived by two step-grandchildren, Sarah Rowe and Matthew Rowe; his sister-in-law, Arvella (Charles) Rucks; and his nieces and nephew: Lynn Kisinger, Dana Ratcliff, Michael Miskel, and Amber Jones.
A memorial service honoring Harold will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Colorado Springs, 317 E. Kiowa Street. The service will also be livestreamed at firstbaptist-cs.org.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Harold's name may be made to Tunnels to Towers, an organization he deeply admired.