Harry Harrison Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Johnson-Schuller Chapel - Wadena on Jul. 9, 2024.
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The Mass of Christian Burial for Harold "Harry" Harrison of Wadena will be celebrated at 10:30am on Monday, July 15, at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Wadena.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, from 4:00 until 6:00pm with a prayer service at 4:15pm, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bluffton
Following the evening visitation a reception celebrating Harry's life will be held at Whitetail Run Golf Course from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m.
Visitation will resume on Monday at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Wadena from 9:00am until the time of the Mass.
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The funeral service will be livestreamed on: Schuller Family Funeral Home's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/p/Schuller-Family-Funeral-Homes-Cremation-Services-100063798813543/
or YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9_jZx4o7kREPtz8aSI4tEw
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Harry, age 89, passed away peacefully at his home on July 8, 2024, surrounded by family.
Harry was born on September 9, 1934, to Barbara (Stuntebeck) and Charles "Chuck" Harrison. He grew up in Wadena and graduated from Wadena High School in 1952. He furthered his education by attending St. John's University and graduating from the University of Minnesota in 1956. Shortly after graduating, Harry was informed of his father's deteriorating health and returned to Wadena to help with the family business, Mason Brothers Company.
Fortunately, this change in life plan allowed him to meet and fall for the love of his life, Rosemary Klein. Harry married Rosemary on July 12, 1958. Together, they filled their home with four children, Jeff, Jodi, Ric, and Heidi. He was a family man who instilled the values of working hard and the importance of faith. They continued to be blessed later in life with eleven grandchildren. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and supported them in all their activities.
Harry owned and operated Mason Brothers until "retiring" on 9/9/1999. His entrepreneurial spirit, incredible work ethic, and leadership abilities made him a successful businessman. His love, respect, empathy, and compassion for his employees empowered a hardworking community. Though he retired, Harry continued his legacy by promoting new ideas and consulting at Mason Brothers late into his 80s. He was a member of the Wadena Lions Club for over 60 years. As he had a great passion for golf, he was quick to support the Whitetail Run Golf Course and founded the "Friends of the Golf Course." He had a strong group of friends; "the Noon Lunch Bunch," which met over lunch and played for the tip for over 50 years. He always knew how to rally his friends and family into supporting and donating to numerous organizations and projects in the Wadena area and surrounding communities. His generosity knew no end. When Rosemary passed in 2004, he started the Rosemary and Harry Harrison Foundation to continue their work of philanthropy.
Harry was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and golfing, especially with his family and friends. He enjoyed spending time at the cabin, the shack, and the angle. There, he taught them how to tie on a jig. Or bet on the first/biggest/most fish, the first duck and the biggest buck. He enjoyed sharing a drink with good food while making all those around him laugh with his endless stories. He has blessed them all with so many memories. As a grandson once said, he was "the life of the party."
On August 23, 2008, Harry was fortunate to marry another amazing life partner, Marjorie "Marge" Mohs. They enjoyed supporting their church and community. They could be spotted regularly on the golf course. Their marriage gave Harry even more family to love.
His presence lit up the room, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Preceding Harry in death were his parents, loving wife Rosemary Harrison, and sisters Jane McKinnon and Nancy Kozen.
He is survived by his loving wife Marge Harrison, children: Jeff (Kathy) Harrison, Jodi Vangsness (Tom Southward), Ric (Cheryl) Harrison and Heidi Samuelson; grandchildren: Josh Harrison, Abby Harrison, Wade (Allison) Vangsness, Benjamin (Katie) Vangsness, Casey (Carli) Vangsness, Duke (Gina) Harrison, Ella Harrison, Austin Samuelson, Wyatt (Janessa) Samuelson, Harry Samuelson, Hannah Samuelson; nine great-grandchildren: Hadley, Jackson, Bode, Caleb, Hudson, Owen, Sadie, Henry, and Brooks; brother Pat Harrison; nephews and nieces; and the Mohs Family: Melissa (Doug) Anderson, Melinda (Tim) Graham, Doreen (Joe) Cullen, Dennis (Teresa) Mohs, Debbie (Dave) Gunderson, Mike (Steph) Mohs, Mitch (Beth) Mohs, their children, grandchildren, and greats; along with many great friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be directed to the Harry Harrison Memorial Fund at the Wadena State Bank to be used for donations in the community.