Lawrence James Harris

His name was Lawrence Harris. Most knew him as Larry. He was my Father. He passed away on May 10, 2007 at the age of 69. He died at home. Dad always wanted to die at home... not stuck in some hospital room. He graduated from Stambaugh High School - Stambaugh Township, Iron River, MI - in 1956. He worked at JJ Newberry Store, A Dry Cleaning service, and later at a Red Owl store, all located in Iron River, MI. He was a member of the Wisconsin Jaycees where he held the offices of Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and President during his years with that organization. He was also involved with the Snowmobile Derby and Food Basket Fundraising programs. Dad attended the Fox Valley Seventh-Day Adventist Church where they have a food basket program. He always Loved handing out food baskets to anyone in need through that program. He also enjoyed getting involved in extra curricular activities such as hunting and fishing.

He enlisted in the United States Army National Guard from 1960 - 1968 where he (mostly as a cook) faithfully and proudly served his country. He, later, worked with the paper industry for 27 1/2 years, at a place called Akrosil, starting in May, 1973 and retiring in November, 2000. Many people who worked there called it Akroland... seemed to be their favorite name for it. My Dad was born and raised in Stambaugh Township (Iron River), Michigan, but moved to Wisconsin in 1971, where he spent 35 wonderful years being married to my Mom, Kathy Harris. They would have been married 36 years as of November 6, 2007.

Larry is survived by his wife: Kathy - Menasha, WI, three daughters: Theresa (Myron) Dillard - Appleton, WI, Laurie Montalvo - Appleton,WI, and Karen Harris (Fiance, Brett Griffin) - Washington State (Formerly from Wisconsin), Four beautiful grandchildren: Brandon Harris-Wulterkens, Jade Montalvo, Madelyn Montalvo, & Arionna Montalvo. His Sister, Elaine Schmidt (who died in July, 2007... just 8 weeks after Dad died)- Two Rivers, WI., and his brother, Charles Harris - Green Bay, WI. He is further survived by his special Mother-In-Law: Dorothy - Menasha, WI, Sisters-In-Law: Judy (Jay) Janis - Appleton, WI and Barb (Jack) Dirr - Delaware. Brothers-In-Law: Thomas (Sheila) Wianecki - Mesa, AZ, and John (Jan) Wianecki - Menasha, WI. And many other Aunts, Uncles, Neices, Nephews, and Cousins.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents: Clement (in 1966) and Viola (Marcell) Harris - Iron River, MI (in 1986), his sister: Theresa - as an infant (before 1937) - Iron River, MI, his Brother-In-Law, Clem Schmidt - Two Rivers, WI, & five infant grandchildren.

Larry suffered with many different illnesses over a period of many years... but the one that finally claimed his life was C.O.P.D. (or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)... a very progressive lung disease that, currently, has no cure.

Being his family... we will always remember Larry for the way he cherished his wife, kids, and grand kids. And everyone else around him. Always worked hard for what he was able to provide for us. He never stole from other people to get what he wanted or needed. And he Loved his wife so much. He was never abusive and he always bought her gifts even if it was just because. I will always remember Dad for his strength. No matter how depressed or frustrated he got with things... he never took his own life. He taught us that suicide is the cheater's way out. We Love You, Dad. Rest In Peace !