Harlen Harris Obituary

Harlen "Slim" Harris, 89, Jackson, SD, passed away peacefully, on Saturday, April 27, 2023, at Good Samaritan Nursing Home, Jackson, MN.

Harlen Harris was born on October 11, 1933, in Dunnell, MN, to Roy and Amelia (Harvego) Harris. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. Slim graduated from Dunnell High School with the class of 1951. Following graduation, Slim worked for a tree service out of Mankato. On September 29, 1952, he married Florence "Tudy" Houts, his roller-skating partner, in Estherville, IA. This union was blessed with 10 beautiful children.

Slim was a very hard worker and, in his lifetime, held many jobs – tree service, farmhand, mechanic, and owned a salvage yard, where his children helped in their teen years. Then Slim worked in road construction, as a heavy equipment operator, and truck and 18-wheel driver. He also enjoyed spending time with his family camping, fishing, and boating as much as possible. Great adventures were had at the Round Lake, MN, campground.

Slim met and married Pat (Rue) Olson on April 11, 2003. After their marriage, they spent much time camping and started going south for the winters – Arizona for two years, Florida for ten years, then back to Minnesota. Slim loved the four seasons and spent much time blowing snow, doing yard work, and tinkering in his shop. Slim retired a couple of times; the last retirement was in 2014. He enjoyed riding his trike and cruising town in his golf cart.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Pat; seven children. Micky (John) Fisher, Jackie (Mike) Schnepf, Vicki (Dave) Bohnenkamp, Diane (Wayne) Wolf, Thomas (Joyce) Harris, Randy (Jane) Harris, and Cynthia (Don) Emida; stepdaughter, Lisa (Curt) Kolander; twenty-eight grandchildren; forty-five great-grandchildren; and one great-greatgrandchild.