Obit: Harris, John S. (1858 - 1945)

Contact: Stan

Email: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Harris, Lauer, Buchholz, Helmecke, Garber

----Source: Humbird Enterprise (Humbird, Clark Co., Wis.) 08/25/1945

Harris, John S. (17 NOV 1858 - 14 AUG 1945)

John Samuel Harris was born Nov. 17, 1858 at New Berlin, Waukesha Co., Wis., and died Aug. 14, 1945, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, at the age of 86 years, 9 months and 3 days.  He was the last surviving family member of a family of six children, all of whom were longtime residents of this vicinity.

On Nov. 21, 1890, he was united in marriage with Susan Ann Lauer, who died March 8, 1906, at the age of thirty-three years.  Nine children were born to this union, one daughter dying in infancy.

His home for several years was on the farm in the town of Cleveland, later moving into the village of Humbird (Clark Co., Wis.).  For the past eighteen years he has resided at the home of his son Henry and wife, in Altoona.  He was in failing health for the past two years, but was active until about a week before his death.

Mr. Harris is survived by one daughter and five sons: Mrs. R.H. (Barbara) Buchholz, John T. and Henry of Altoona; Edwin S. of Humbird; and Paul and Nick of Tacoma, Wash.  Two daughters, Mrs. Emil (Catherine) Helmecke of Tacoma, Wash., and Mrs. Emil (Mayme) Garber of Altoona, preceded him in death.

Besides his immediate family, his passing away is mourned by a number of other relatives, grandchildren, and many friends.

He was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church.  The Rosary was at the funeral home in Fairchild last Friday evening, and the funeral was held at St. Joseph’s Church, Fairview, at 9:00 o’clock Saturday morning.  The Rev. R. J. Geissler officiated.  Burial was in the cemetery at the church.