Virgil Kenneth Harrison

Virgil Kenneth Harrison, age 83 of Cherokee, IA, passed away Sunday, July 21, 2024, at Methodist Manor in Storm Lake, IA. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 26, 2024, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Cherokee, IA. Pastor Andrew Potratz will officiate. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Cherokee, IA at a later date. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. The Greenwood-Schubert Funeral Home in Cherokee, IA, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.greenwoodfuneral.com.

Virgil Kenneth Harrison, the son of Emmett and Frances (Carlson) Harrison was born January 17, 1941, in Spencer, IA. His childhood years were spent on the farm near Spencer, where he attended school and graduated from Spencer High School. He then attended Iowa State University for 2 ½ years.

At 19, Virgil eloped with the love of his life, Colleen Richard, in Elizabeth City, NC. They made their home in Spencer for a short time before moving to Cherokee, IA, where he went to work for HEG Painting. He later became the owner for over 40 years until his retirement in 2007. Never one to sit still, Virg operated a concrete refinishing business until his health prompted a full retirement.

Virgil was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was a member of the Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club, where he loved to teach children to fish. He was also a member of the Toastmasters Group, the Cherokee Country Club, and the Stephen’s Ministry for St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Storm Lake, where he loved to share God’s word to others. More than anything, he cherished the time spent with his loving wife Colleen, family, and many friends.

On Sunday, July 21, 2024, Virgil passed away at Methodist Manor in Storm Lake, IA, at the age of 83. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Frances Harrison, and brothers, Stan and Bruce Harrison.

He will lovingly be remembered by his wife, Colleen Harrison of Cherokee, IA; daughters, Laura (Chuck) Carlson of Story City, IA, Jeana Harrison of Ladson, SC, and Angela (Jack) Creel of Cherokee, IA; grandchildren: Jordan (Katelyn) Harrison, Milianna Carlson, Ben Carlson, James Creel, and Andrew Creel; two great-grandchildren, Jace and Caden; brothers, Keith (Barb) Harrison of Colorado, and Gayle (Judy) Harrison of Holstein, IA, sister-in-law Diane Harrison of Clear Lake, IA; nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. 

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to St. Croix Hospice. 1015 South Grand, Spencer, IA 51301