William E Harris
November 04, 1935 - November 29, 2017
Obituary
FITCHBURG-William E. Harris, age 82, of Fitchburg, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017, at UW Hospital. He was born on Nov. 4, 1935, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Mel and Madge (Ashlock) Harris. Bill graduated from Madison East High School in 1953. He married Judith Anderson on May 26, 1956, at Trinity Lutheran Church. He proudly served four years in the U.S. Navy as a submarine electrician. He worked for 24 years at Cuna Mutual as its Plant Engineer. After retirement, Bill and Judy made many memories traveling in their RV throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. They visited every National Park and filled their passport. They also enjoyed collecting antiques and refinishing primitive furniture for their home, but in particular collected blue and white stoneware. They sold many of their collections over the years. They amassed countless collections over the years. William is survived by his wife, Judy; sons, Dirken John Harris and Brett William (Julene Strade) Harris; daughter, Shawn Marie (Steve Smith) Harris; grandchildren, Dirken John Harris, Jr., Aaron David (Amanda) Storts, Brandon Brett William (Mollie) Harris and Levi Kenneth Harris; seven great grandchildren; half-sisters, Diana Tucker and Kay Dean; and nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Juanita Marie Van Eperen. A Memorial Service will be held at MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5202 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017 with Rev. Jeff Vanden Heuvel presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., the time of the service. The family wishes to thank Pastor Jeff and the staff at UW Hospital in both the ER and ICU for all of their loving care and support given to Bill, Judy and their family. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Events
Visitation
Sat Dec 9, 2017 @ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Messiah Lutheran Church (Madison) • 5202 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, WI null
Memorial Service
Sat Dec 9, 2017 @ 11:00 AM CDT
Messiah Lutheran Church (Madison) • 5202 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, WI null
Photos
No photos of William have been shared yet.
Memories
JC
Joan Davies Carlson
Other •
Bill will surely be missed by his wonderful family and so many friends. He always had a smile and was so happy. Bill and his wife Judy spent every minute together and did so many wonderful things during their marriage. If there is true love this couple had it. Judy you will have so many wonderful memories to share and all the good times. Bill was a great husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Now he rests in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please dear God wrap your arms around this wonderful family in their time of sorrow. Joan Carlson
GL
Greg Lerdahl
Other •
Laurie and I are sad to hear of Bill's passing. Two things come to mind; first, as a kid in our east side Madison neighborhood, as a big guy Bill was an imposing presence. Not a scary one, but you listened to what he said.
Later, beginning in 1988 CUNA Mutual became a customer of Lerdahl Business Interiors. Bill was an Engineer there, and we developed a professional relationship that was respectful and rewarding. He expected us to get projects done right and on time, but was great to work with and had a healthy sense of humor.
We send our deepest condolences.
TF
Tom Cantwell, Badger Honor Flight
Other •
The volunteers, flight team and board of Badger Honor Flight mourn the loss of their hero, William Harris. We are thankful for his military service and proud to have served him on his trip to Washington, D.C. on April 22, 2017
BJ
Bill & Sharon Jolicoeur
Other •
Shawn, Sharon and I are deeply sadden to hear of your father passing. Our thoughts and prays are with you and your family.
BH
Bob & Bernie Hartwig
Other •
We have so many great memories of Bill....he was always well versed on most any topic and his natural wit left you smiling and thinking about him even when he was not present. The man went through countless surgeries in his lifetime but remained true to his family and faith. A real man to be admired. Until we meet again Bill......Bob & Bernie Hartwig
MB
Mike and Ruth Biedermann
Other •
Bill and wife Judy became dear friends and Windward Passage family members. We will miss Bill. We are honored to have known him and are better for it.