Earl L. Harrison

SUN PRAIRIE - Earl LeRoy Harrison, age 87, of Sun Prairie, passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at The Meadows of Fall River. He was born on December 18, 1938, in Madison, the son of William and Gladys (Kempfer) Harrison.

Earl graduated from Sun Prairie High School in 1957 and went on to earn a degree from UW-Platteville. He was united in marriage to Donna Kohls on October 14, 1961, at Peace Lutheran Church in Sun Prairie. Earl spent his career working as a computer aided draftsman, retiring in 2002.

Earl was a lifelong learner who was always curious and enjoyed trying new things. In his younger years, he played hometown talent baseball and even tried out for the Braves, but unfortunately, didn’t make the team. He had many interests and talents throughout his life, including archery, fishing, hunting, woodworking, photography, gardening, and music. He especially loved being outdoors and attending the EAA AirVenture air show, where he enjoyed his lifelong fascination with airplanes.

Earl was mechanically inclined and tech-savvy. He once built a television from a kit and was always interested in figuring out how things worked. He also enjoyed model railroads, movies, attending local events, and enjoying hometown talent games.

Family was at the heart of Earl’s life. He remained close to his parents, living near them as an adult and helping care for their farm animals. He was a proud “girl dad” who taught his daughters many things like how to drive, throw and catch, and cook. He was especially devoted to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He cherished every opportunity to spend time with them and took great pride in watching his family grow.

Earl was a longtime member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, where his faith and friendships were an important part of his life. He will be remembered for his curiosity, creativity, willingness to learn, and, most of all, his deep love for his family.

Earl is survived by his daughters, Julie (Joe) Bakke, Amy (Chris Puza) Harrison and Theresa Kay (Paul) Fischer; grandsons, Austin (Angela) Bakke, Adam (Sarah Faga) Ney and Jason (Allie Study) Scott; granddaughters, Ashley Bakke, Amanda (Lucas) Powelka and Carolyn Scott; and great-grandchildren, Caleb, Zoey, Athena, Avery Leroy and Ava. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Gladys; wife, Donna; and granddaughter, Kristina Kay.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, with Pastor Mark Bartels presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree or making a memorial donation to Olbrich Botanical Gardens. You may also visit Olbrich in his memory, and don’t forget your camera. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420