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Michael Harkness Obituary

MICHAEL H. HARKNESS, 52 BELVIDERE - Michael H. Harkness, 52, of Belvidere, was called home to serve the Lord on Thursday, June 5, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. Born November 8, 1961, in Rockford, the son of Dale and Garnell Harkness. Mike married Laura Leber in Rockford in 1987. He was a sprinkler fitter for Valley Fire Protection for 17 years. Harkness enjoyed spending time with his family, watching NASCAR on Sundays and going fishing at the cabin in Wisconsin. He also a "Mr. Fix It" and loved helping all of his friends. One of his greatest joys was to become a grandpa for the first time. He enjoyed playing and reading to his new grandson. Mike is lovingly survived by his wife of 27 years, Laura; children, Sarah, Trevor and Blake Harkness; grandson, Easton Streed Harkness; sisters, Sharon Harkness and Karen Brown; sister-in-law, Pat Harkness and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents and brother, Denny. Memorial service will be at 5 p.m. Thursday, June 12, 2014 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 South Mulford Road. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rockford Register Star from Jun. 9 to Jun. 10, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Harkness

Not sure what to say?





Kurt Cottier

June 3, 2019

Hey Mike. This is bizarre but fitting. Yesterday I was power washing my deck and had an overwhelming sense of your presence and then today I received the email to update your Guest Book. I know youre doing great. You are greatly missed but never forgotten. If you can, send some sanity down here. This world could really use it. Take care and see you on the other side.

Shelly Stromquist

July 8, 2014

Laura,
I just heard of Mike's death yesterday. So sorry for your loss. Peace be with you and you family.

Penny Richardson (King)

June 15, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss. I know it's part of life but never an easy part. I used to cut Mike's hair in the bathroom at my mom and dads place on Alpine. We all had some fun times back then. I will be keeping your family in my prayers. God bless.

Robbin Wirth

June 13, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss. I believe I had Trevor in my preschool class at Peace Preschool many years ago. My prayers are with all of you.

June 13, 2014

Harkness Family. Please find comfort in knowing that Mike was one of the nicest and most helpful people I've ever met and that he will be truly missed. I am very sorry for your loss but just remember the great memories and people he touched.

tim +suzy james

June 12, 2014

we are sorry for your loss the sprinks have lost a good guy

Shane Banta

June 12, 2014

My sincere thoughts and prayers extend out to the Harkness Family. I worked with Mike at both Automatic Fire & Valley Fire. He was the first sprinkler fitter to ever give me a compliment on a job well done and I'll always remember that big smile! RIP

Margaret Jacobs

June 12, 2014

Thoughts and prayers for the family and friends of Mike.

Dave&Laurie Frye

June 12, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Laura and your family, with our deepest sympathy

Diane Goldsworthy

June 11, 2014

Laura, I am truly sorry for your families loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Tanya Grydyk Keller

June 11, 2014

Dear Laura and Harkness Family,
I was so saddened to hear about Mike. He always had a wonderful smile on his face. Cherish all the memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Julie Jenkins

June 11, 2014

Mike has Always been in my life, from the times he helped me learn to walk, and then pushed me down (all caught on super 8 movies taken by my Dad) to the Leber family gatherings, from the festive and recently heartbreaking..my heart goes out to you Laura and family. I will miss him forever.The world is a better place because he was in it.

Jodi Carlson-Huffman (Hallquist)

June 11, 2014

Words can not express my feelings for your lost. I know your Husband, Father, Grandfather is at peace with his new found wings spread wide around you to hold and comfort you during this time. I went to high school with Mike and served your family once when working at Machine Shed. He always had the best smile ever. One you could never forget. My prayers are with your children. Peace be in your hearts.

Debbie Dent - Klinefelter

June 10, 2014

Very sorry to hear about Mike Growing up together brings back a lot of fun memories RIP Mike

kurt Cottier

June 10, 2014

Dear Mike. I admired you as a man father and friend. You always had a positive attitude and would be quick to help anyone in need. You always worked hard yet enjoyed life to the fullest. Thanks for the time we had as friends. Your wings will be granted much sooner than you expect. Always in my thoughts.

Jan Pratt

June 10, 2014

I went to grade school with Mike. I'm so sorry for your loss.

June 10, 2014

DEAR LAURA,MIKE WAS ONE OF THE FINEST MEN IVE EVER MET, AN EXAMPLE FOR ALL OF US TO LIVE BY. HE WAS ALSO A GREAT MAN TO WORK WITH WE FROOZE TOGETHER SWEATED TOGETHER BUT HE NEVER COMPLAINED. I AM HEADED THERE FOR THE SERVICES MAY THE FAITH KEEP YOUR FAMILY STRONG. MY CONDOLENCES, TERRY DODDY LOCAL UNION 669

Rick Joslyn

June 10, 2014

Harkness family.
My condolences to all of you. I could always count on a friendly voice when I talked to Mike. He will be missed.

Jamie Ullmark

June 10, 2014

Laura, Sarah, Trevor and Blake, Words cannot express how heavy our hearts are. We will truly miss Mike's enormous smile and laughter. Oh, the great memories we have of all the times spent with him at Rugrat and beyond! Our thoughts, prayers, love and hugs are with you all at this very difficult time. He will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him. Love, Jamie, Ric, Abby, Jake and Natalie

Donnie Edwards

June 10, 2014

Laura so sorry to hear about Mike haven't seen or talked to him in a long while but I do remember having a few cold ones with him down in Cherry valley great guy.Take care of yourself.

Amy Fraker

June 10, 2014

Harkness family,
My thoughts go out to you at the loss of your beloved father and husband.

Lisa Dent

June 10, 2014

My heart breaks for all of you...he was loved!

June 10, 2014

Dear Laura and family, are hearts are so heavy for you......what a great guy he was, we remember so many of the times at Beaver's with you guys, our thoughts and prayers are with you....with sincere love...joanie and jerry ekberg

June 10, 2014

Laura and family,
May the Lord wrap his loving arms around you during this time of sorrow and grief. My heart hurts for you Laura, prayers are sent from my heart.
Julie Baker Connor

greg & denise dent

June 9, 2014

Karen, i am so sorry for the loss of your brother, Mike. Growing up i always remembered the great times we had. Denny and i were best friends.I know our parents were friends for many years. RIP MIKE.

Tim Hall

June 9, 2014

Sorry For Your Loss.

Denise Lamberth

June 9, 2014

Karen - I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Call me I would love to hear from you 623.640.3599.

Alan Andersen

June 9, 2014

Laura and Family,
My deepest sympathies are with you all. Mike was a very good friend from school and was a wonderful person to be with. We spent many a day playing frisbee in the back lot of Fairview bowling alley. I will always remember him to have been my best friend.

Mark Tomlin

June 9, 2014

Have not seen Mike since the mid 80's but remember him fondly. A kind and gentle giant of a man. My condolences.

Jeff Sammmons

June 9, 2014

Laura, I'm so sorry to hear this. I just found out today. What a great guy and you are a great person. If I can do anything please let me know. Sincerely,
Jeff S.

Candy & /russ Nelson

June 9, 2014

Laura and family, our hearts are with you. God will take great care of him now. May you be at peace knowing that.

Mary Orlandi

June 9, 2014

Sarah - I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Mary Charlene & Dawn

Brian Ellwood

June 9, 2014

Our deepest sympathies to your Family. We will miss Mike so very much both personally and professionally at DuPont Fabros Technology Data Center. Center.

June 9, 2014

Laura and Family,
So sorry to hear about the loss of Mike. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May cherished memories help you through these trying times.
Respectfully,
Cindy Mathison and family

Brian Johnstone

June 9, 2014

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

June 9, 2014

Laura and family, I hadn't seen Harky for many years but those we spent together at Cherry Valley Fire were great memories. He was a great man and firefighter. My condolences and may the peace that passes all we can imagine be with you and your family at this time. Randy Leek

Jim and Carol Sarnosky

June 9, 2014

Laura and Family;
Our deepest sympathies to you all. Mike was a wonderful man and we will miss him dearly. Our prayers our with you during this most difficult time. We are all better people for having known Mike.

Showing 1 - 37 of 37 results

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Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory LTD - Mulford Chapel

1860 South Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61108

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