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John Michael Harris, 77, Rutland, ND
Obituaries · January 05, 2017



John Harris passed away Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo at the age of 77.

The Mass of Christian Burial for John Harris was Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, at Sts. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church in Cayuga, ND. Rev. Fr. Jason Lefor celebrated the mass, and burial was in the Rutland Cemetery.

Visitation was Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, at the church, concluding with a 7 p.m. vigil service.

John Michael Harris was born July 5, 1939, in Evergreen Park, Ill., to John Daniel and Catherine (Cody) Harris. As a youngster, he grew up and attended school there. He graduated from Arlington Heights High School in Arlington Heights, Ill., in 1957. He continued his education at Southern Illinois University, graduating from there in 1962. John honorably served his country in the U. S. Army.

On May 22, 1965, John was united in marriage with Joanne Dolores Anderson at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Moorhead, Minn.

Over the years, John worked for a number of different companies in various communities, primarily as a livestock buyer. He had worked for the central buying offices of A & P Company in Chicago; John Harris Order Buying in West Fargo and Billings, Mont.; Pierce Packing Co. in Billings; and for several years at Iowa Beef Packers in West Branch, Iowa. He retired in May 2002, and the next year, John and Joanne moved to Rutland.

John was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church of Cayuga and had served as a Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He belonged to the Bergman Evenson Post #215 of the American Legion of Rutland and had served as Adjutant. In addition, John was a member of the Rutland Sportsman’s Club, the Eagles and the Havana Pistol Club. He had served on the Rutland City Council and was also a driver for the Sargent County Ambulance service.

In his spare time, John enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was a good cook. His love of animals was evident in his raising of Labrador Retriever dogs. Reading was another favorite pastime. He was extremely proud of his Irish heritage.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of 51 years, Joanne Harris of Rutland; four children: Michael (Sally) Harris of San Diego, Calif.; Daniel (Lori) Harris of St. Charles, Mo.; Kathleen (Rich) Stout of West Branch, Iowa; Andrew Harris of Rutland; four grandchildren: Erik, Allyson, Teresa and Victoria Harris; and a brother, Patrick J. (Yvonne) Harris of Carbondale, Ill.

Preceding him in death were his parents, and an infant son, John David Harris.

The Price Funeral Chapel of Forman has been entrusted with his arrangements.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.pricefuneralchapel.net.

Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Joanne Harris, Box 39, Rutland, ND 58067.