Peter John Harman

1935 - 2025

Peter John Harman

November 1, 1935 - May 14, 2025

Peter John Harman, 89, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, after a lengthy fight with vascular dementia. What the mind can't remember, the heart never forgets. We will miss and love you forever.

Pete was born in La Crosse on November 1, 1935, to Dr. John and Dorothy (Ahlstrom) Harman and graduated from Central High School in 1953. He attended UW-Madison for two years and then served in the United States Army for two years. He graduated from UW-La Crosse with a degree in economics.

Pete married, Esther Rynning on June 18, 1960 and they made their home in La Crosse together with their three daughters: Amy, Heidi, and Elizabeth.

He was employed by Trane Company for five years and went on to work for 31 years in Patient Accounts at Gundersen Clinic - a place dear to his heart as his mother and father were instrumental in the early years of the clinic and hospital. Together, Pete and Esther enjoyed traveling and exploring different parts of the country and the world after his retirement in 1996.

He loved playing cribbage (especially with Esther) and reading (especially the newspaper) in his spare time. He was a "foodie" who enjoyed a cocktail on the deck, dinner out, or a good bowl of ice cream.

Pete's favorite place was in the woods hunting or planting trees up at "the farm" with his dog, Thor. A lover of sports, he played tennis until age 83 and enjoyed racquetball, skiing, ice skating, and softball. Pete rooted for the Packers, Badgers, Brewers, and his grandkids' sporting events at which he enjoyed cheering them on.

There was often a twinkle in Pete's eye and a wry grin on his face. His favorite question to ask the grandkids was "What's new in your world of sin and corruption?" which always made them laugh. He loved to spend time with his family and friends and was grateful for many good times spent together.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents Dr. John and Dorothy Harman; as well as many beloved in-laws.

Survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Esther; Pete, is also survived by his three daughters: Amy (Bill) Klaus, Heidi (Steve) Albers, and Elizabeth (Max) Lasee; and his much loved grandchildren: Emily, Nate (fiancé Alex Wolner), and Josh (fiancé Rachel Nelsen) Albers; Alex, Julia and Justine Klaus; and Trinity Lasee. Survived by his siblings: Steve Harman, Ann (Bob) Stevens, and Paul (Jill) Harman. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Helen Munson; many nieces and nephews; and longtime friends.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 11 a.m., (visitation at 10 a.m.), at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 612 Division Street in La Crosse. Lunch will be served after the service and burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.

A special thank you to his caregivers at Eagle Crest South and Gundersen Hospice.

The Dickinson Family Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorials may be given to Gundersen Health Systems Hospice Fund or to Our Savior's Lutheran Church in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.dickinsonfuneralhomes.com.