Richard Harris, age 91, of Belle Plaine, formerly of New Prague and Mapleton, MN, died peacefully with his family present on Thursday, November 2, 2017, at The Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine. Richard was born on March 9, 1926, in Delavan, MN to John Kelly and Enger (Ronseth) Harris. He graduated from Delavan High School and entered the US Army, serving in WWII. He married the love of his life, Armella “Mary” Zoch, on September 6, 1947, in Mapleton, MN, where they raised 8 children together. He was a door-to-door milkman and a volunteer fireman for the Mapleton Fire Department, carrying on a family legacy of service to fire safety. After moving to New Prague, he worked for 7 years at the Mill.
Richard was a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was a great card player and enjoyed socializing over a game of cards. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and curling. He and Armella spent 15 years wintering in Arizona and spending his summers at Leech Lake.
Richard is survived by his children, Carol (Roy) Zelenka of New Prague, Mary (William) Schadewald of Minneapolis, Thomas (Joyce) of North Mankato, Michael (Jackie) of Sioux Falls, SD, Jeffery (Sylvia) of Cottage Grove, MN, Theresa (Randy) Fischer of Gibbon, Patricia (Kent) Faulkner of Sandstone; brother, Robert (Ramona) Harris of Monticello; sister, Cheryl Loggins of San Gabriel, CA; sisters-in-law, Gloria Harris of Mapleton, Norie Harris of Buffalo, NY; 19 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Armella “Mary” Harris on January 16, 2017; son, Richard “Ricky”; parents; brothers, Kenneth & James; sisters, Evelyn Wissner & Marlyn Harris.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, November 10, 2017, at 11:00 AM at St. Therese Catholic Church in Mapleton, MN with Father Andrew Vogel officiating. Visitation will occur 2 hours prior to Mass also at church from 9 – 11 AM. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery, where military honors will be conducted followed by lunch in the church social hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association.
