Raymond H. Harris

Raymond Howard Harris, age 87 of rural Blanchardville died on Sunday, August 9, 2009 in Fitchburg at the HospiceCare Center. He was born on January 2, 1922 in a log cabin in Blanchard Township, Lafayette County, Wisconsin to Lott and Ida (Dammen) Harris. He grew up in the Blanchardville area, and attended the Yellowstone rural school. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blanchardville. He farmed after his schooling. He was married on March 3, 1943 to Mary Averill Lease in Darlington. In 1948 he bought his first track backhoe and began his life-long work in the excavating business. He also farmed for most of his life, including in Edmund, and rural Blanchardville. In the early 1970's he bought the family farm where he lived and farmed. Ray loved his work, his family farm, his family, and the people that he worked for. Ray is survived by his wife of 66 years, Averill Harris of Blanchardville; five children, Donna Vanderhoof of Crystal Lake, Illinois, Beverly (Bill) Severson of Mount Horeb, Jane (Tom) Witzman of Crestview, Florida, Jo (Gary) Hufnagel of Blanchardville, and Ray (Coleen) Harris of Blanchardville; twenty grandchildren, thirty nine great grandchildren with two more on the way; one brother, Vern Harris of Argyle; a brother-in-law, Roger Gilbertson of Darlington; and many nieces, nephews and very close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Olivene (Ken) Shepherd and Betty Gilbertson; and two brothers, Mark (Ethel) Harris and Kerm (Gloria) Harris; a niece Sherry Harris and a nephew Greg Gilbertson. Memorial services for Ray Harris will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2009 at 11:00 AM at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Blanchardville. A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralhome.com.