Michael Collin Harris

Michael Collin Harris of Chesterton, Indiana passed away unexpectedly at his home in Rio Verde, Arizona, on November 10, 2025, at 87 years old. He was born in Arlington Heights, Illinois, to Aloise (Henning) Harris and Elroy James (Red) Harris on February 22, 1938. He had two brothers, Pat Harris, who survives and Terry Harris, who passed earlier this year. He is survived by his sisters in-law, Jane Delligatti, Norma Harris, Judy Harris, and Judy Thedford. His passing was preceded by his brother in-law Bill Oldaker and his sister in-law Barb Harris. On June 20, 1959 he married the love of his life, Sue Ann Oldaker, who predeceased him, going home on September 17, 2022.
After obtaining his undergraduate degree at Indiana University in Bloomington and graduating from Indiana University School of Law in Indianapolis, Mike moved his family to Chesterton in 1964 to practice law with Mox Ruge. Upon Mox's death in 1967, Mike purchased the practice. At the time of his passing, Mike was still practicing law, as an "of council" member of the firm Harris Welsh and Lukmann.
Mike and Sue had five children: Tim (Kathy) Harris of Valparaiso, Indiana; Meg (Bill) McCarel of Chesterton, Indiana; Kathy (Mike) Uzelac of Chesterton, Indiana; Maura (Ed) Dunn of Downers Grove, Illinois; and Heather (Joe) Ennis of Porter, Indiana. They were also blessed with 10 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. They also had many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Additionally, there were dozens and dozens of their children's friends that were considered a part of their family and spent significant portions of their lives enjoying Mike and Sue's hospitality, friendship, and support.
Mike was passionate about the practice of law, seeking truly judicious resolutions in the cases he participated in. He was proud to be an AV Preeminent rated attorney by Martindale Hubble. Among the many clients he represented, he was particularly proud of his over 50 years representing the Westchester Township and Duneland School Corporations.
While he participated in many community and civic enterprises, he claimed that his greatest contribution to Chesterton was bringing his wife Sue to the community. Both Mike and Sue were involved in too many community groups, events, leadership roles, and participations to list, during the over 60 years they spent in Chesterton. He claimed his second greatest contribution was helping Richard Glen Percifield start the speech and debate program at Chesterton High School.
Mike and Sue were longtime members of the Chesterton First United Methodist Church, acting in many roles, including as United Methodist Youth Fellowship leaders, participating in fundraising campaigns, and with Sue also playing an extensive administrative role with the church for many years. Mike was also a founding member of the board of the Chesterton Community Prayer Breakfast, patterned after the National Prayer Breakfast.
Mike was also extremely proud that his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were continuing his and his wife's community involvement.
Visitation is scheduled for November 21, 2025, between 4:00pm and 8:00pm at Edmonds and Evans Funeral Home, located at 517 Broadway, Chesterton, Indiana. Funeral services will be November 22, 2025, at 10:00am at the Chesterton First United Methodist Church, located at 434 S. 2nd Street, Chesterton, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mike's name can be made to the Duneland Education Foundation at 601 W. Morgan Avenue, Chesterton, Indiana for direction to the Chesterton High School Speech and Debate program, or in Sue's name to the Alzheimer's Association.