Thomas J. Harris

Thomas J. Harris- Lake City Thomas J. Harris, 68, of Lake City, MN, passed away Saturday, August 23 after battling pancreatic cancer while surrounded by his loving family at home. Tom was born July 10, 1957, in Austin, MN to Harold and Mildred (Thompson) Harris. He attended Catholic School and graduated from Pacelli High School in 1975. He then trained at the vocational school for auto mechanics leading into his first job at Honeywell. On December 17, 1977, he married his high school sweetheart, Rebecca Arnold, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Austin, MN. Their life took them to many places until they settled in Dodge Center, MN in November of 1979, where he had a distinguished career at McNeilus Companies. After 38 years, Tom briefly retired in 2018, embarking on a short-lived three-month hiatus before transitioning to a consulting role then became VP of development for vocational chassis with Auto Car Truck. He retired two more times after that, with his final retirement coming in December 2021, when he and Becky moved full time to their lake home in Lake City. Tom lived a life full of adventure and passion. He was a devoted husband to Becky, loving father to his daughters, adoring "Papa" to his grandchildren, and cherished friend to so many. Known for his zest for life, Tom embraced every opportunity for excitement, whether it was spending summers on the water, cruising on his Harley or taking his family on annual ski trips out West. His love for the outdoors extended to snowmobiling, motocross, and dirt biking, where he could often be found racing through rugged terrain with a wide grin on his face. Tom was also a true hot rod enthusiast, spending countless hours in his shop, working on his 32' Harley Boy and projects that reflected his love for cars. Tom's legacy isn't just in the adventures he had – it's in the way he made each one feel like a story worth telling. He had a joke for every occasion, a joyful spirit, and an undeniable ability to make everyone feel like the most important person in the world; and that's what we'll miss most. He lived like he drove – full throttle, no regrets. And we'll carry that with us, always. He is survived by his wife, Becky, his daughters Katy (Martijn) Bos of Rochester, MN, Lora (Brandon) Smith of Sauk Rapids, MN, Natalie (Colleen Powers 3.5) Harris of Minneapolis, MN; 5 grandchildren, Ryan Anderson, Jax Anderson, Christian Bos, Addie Smith, and Claire Smith. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Mildred Harris, oldest brother Robert Harris, and nephew Dave Harris. Tom's Celebration of Life will be at 11am on Wednesday, September 3rd in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, MN. Visitation will be held from 4pm to 7pm on Tuesday, September 2nd in the River Park Chapel and one hour prior to the Celebration of Life on September 3rd. In true Tom Harris fashion, we would love for you to celebrate his spirit by riding in on a Harley or Hot-Rod if you are able. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Ronald McDonald House Midwest Charities in Rochester, Minnesota, https://www.rmhcmidwestmwi.org/donate, an organization near and dear to both Tom and Becky. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.