Gene Harris (1927-2014)

HARRIS, MOLLN, OSBORNE, HUGHES, PECHARSKY, SLOAN

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 4/26/2015 at 14:49:58

From Bethesda Lutheran Church obituary, Ames, Iowa:

Gene Harris, 87, passed away December 8th, 2014 in West Des Moines, Iowa. A visitation will be held from 12-3:00pm Saturday December 13, 2014 at Stevens Memorial Chapel (607 28th St., Ames, IA 50010). A memorial service will be held Saturday December 20, 2014 at 10:30am at Edgewater Retirement Community (9225 Cascade Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266). Gene Harris was born September 9, 1927 in West Burlington, Iowa to Earl and Anna (Molln) Harris. He spent his childhood growing up in various parts of Iowa, and nurturing his passion for electronics, he graduated from East High School in 1945.

On May 21, 1949 Gene was united in marriage to Ruth Ann Osborne, after serving in the Navy. They were happily married for over 65 years and raised four children; Wayne, Debra, Van and Ann. Gene graduated from Iowa State University in 1952 with a degree in Electrical Engineering.Gene and Ruth settled in Ames, and remained residents for 64 years. It was during the early years of their marriage that Gene continued to tinker with anything electrical he could get his hands on; he was able to turn his love for electronic repair in to a full time career owning and operating Harris TV and Appliance for over forty years before turning the reigns over to his oldest son Wayne, who continues to run the family business.Gene was active in the Lions Club and the American Legion. He was a longtime member of Bethesda Lutheran Church and sat on the Board of Directors for the Vision Bank. Gene was a devoted Cyclone fan and enjoyed attending ISU Football and Basketball games. Gene will be remembered for his patience; his passion for business, and his willingness to help any member of the community he could. Gene loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and was gracious with his love when spending time with them.

Gene is survived by his Wife; Ruth, son; Wayne (Susan) Harris of Ames, Daughter; Debra (Gary DuBay) Harris of Johnston, Son; Van (Julie Nash) Harris of Boone, Daughter; Ann (Brian) Hughes of Cedar Rapids, Grandchildren; Scott Harris, Melissa Pecharsky, Erica Sloan, Jenna Thomas, Henry Harris, Joshua, Jacquelyn, Jennifer and Jillian Hughes, Great-Grandchildren; Amanda, Isaac, Zachary, Audrey, Elijah, Katerina, Nikolai, Danika, Noah, Gretchen, and Cora, Brother; Richard (Carole) Harris of Richardson, TX. Gene was preceded by his Parents; Earl and Anna, and Brother; Edward.Memorial contributions may be directed to The Boys and Girls Club of Ames, Youth and Shelter Services (in Ames) or Mary Greeley Medical Center in Gene’s name.