May God bless you and your...
What a trooper!
Becky Walden
January 23, 2019
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Photo courtesy of Adams Funeral Chapel - Charleston
Genevieve M. Harris
Mar 17, 1920 - Dec 25, 2018 (Age 98)
Guest Book
Dearest Dawn,
I just wanted to send you my sincerest condolences on the loss of your mother. Gen was a mother to all of us who grew up in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
I have vivid memories of her leading us in song at Sunday School, recruiting us to work in the nursery, helping out at Sunrise breakfasts on Easter morning, Ice Cream Socials, summer Bible School, etc. How could anyone say "no" to such a kind, loving woman? Your parents played such an important role in my formative...
Susie Smith-Scheu
January 08, 2019 | Granger, IN
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Gaye, May God bless you and all your family in this time of sorrow. Your Mother was such a great, loving, kind person who I cherished. She dearly loved her husband, Bert Harris, who she always mentioned whenever I talked to her saying how she missed him. Now they are together again in their heavenly home. Love to all from Patricia A. Haden
Patricia Haden
December 31, 2018 | South Bend, IN | Friend
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Genevieve was a sweet lovely soul who will be truly missed. I am sorry for your loss but feel comforted knowing she is in Heaven.
Paula Pogue
Paula Pogue
December 29, 2018 | CHARLESTON, IL | Friend
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Gaye, I am so sorry to see that your mother passed away. What a huge loss for you. I enjoyed talking to Genevieve at various functions. What a blessing to have her as a mother. She was truly one of a kind. I am sure her loss will leave a void in your life. She was fortunate to be able to spend her last years with you.
Bonnie Buckley
December 29, 2018 | Charleston, IL | Friend
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Remembered By
Jackie Randall
December 28, 2018 | Seal Beach, CA
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She was a wonderful example of a wife and mother.
Jackie Randall
December 28, 2018 | Seal Beal, CA
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The lovely picture of Mrs. Harris is exactly as I remember her when she substitute taught for me and other teachers at John Adams High School. She was such a sweet, kind presence for the many students she encountered. Mrs. Harris's friendly, compassionate personality was her signature. Heavenly peace be yours, Mrs. Harris. I extend my sincere condolences to her family.
Karen Hamilton
Granger, Indiana
Karen Hamilton
December 28, 2018 | Granger, IN
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A wonderful and loving mother in law
Ill miss you Gen!❤
Mark Randall
December 27, 2018 | Malibu, CA
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Obituary
Genevieve 's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL – Genevieve Marie (Eklund) Harris, age 98 of Charleston and formerly of South Bend, Indiana, joined her husband, Reverend Birt Harris in their heavenly home on Christmas Day (December 25, 2018). The Memorial Service honoring and celebrating her life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at First Presbyterian Church, 311 Seventh Street in Charleston with Reverend Mary Wright officiating. In lieu of flowers, gifts in her honor may be made to First Presbyterian Church and mailed to the church or in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.
Genevieve was born March 17, 1920 in Lindsborg, Kansas, the daughter of the late Elvin E. and Anna (Johnson) Eklund. She graduated high school in Smolan, Kansas and attained a bachelor’s degree from Bethany College in Lindsborg and a master’s degree from Indiana University, South Bend, Indiana. She was a high school English teacher in South Bend and following her formal retirement, continued to educate as a substitute teacher until age 86.
Genevieve married Reverend Birt Harris in Flint, Michigan on July 4, 1945 and she was married to Birt, who referred to her as “his beloved”, for nearly 60 years prior to his death on April 4, 2005. In addition to being a teacher, she was supportive of her husband and his ministry, partnering with him in establishing new Lutheran congregations in Jamestown, New York, New Prague, Minnesota and South Bend, Indiana. Genevieve made Charleston her home twelve years ago and has been actively involved as a member of First Presbyterian Church. Genevieve was truly the matriarch of her family and their biggest champion. As a woman of faith, who was dedicated to God and to her family, her daily devotions and talks with God always included prayers for her loved ones.
Genevieve leaves a wonderful and loving family which includes her daughters, Coy (Harris) Scheetz of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Gaye (Harris) Harrison of Charleston and Dawn (Harris) Randall and husband Mark of Malibu, California; two granddaughters, Shannon (Scheetz) Nutt and husband Jim of Kalamazoo and Genevieve (Harrison) Koester and husband Smith of Chicago; two great-grandchildren, Everett and Claire Koester; and a nephew and niece and their families, Kent (Katherine) Eklund of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Joan (Jon) Jacobs of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Emmett Eklund. They will cherish their many memories of this amazing mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt, who was so dearly loved.
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