Harris, Donald Raymond, age 87, of Wayzata, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather, passed away surrounded by family on April 14, 2022. He was lovingly known as "Poppy" to his 62 descendents who are his proud legacy.
He is preceded in death by his wife Joan, parents Raymond and Helen Harris, sister Margaret (Doug) Menard, son Douglas Harris, grandchild Joshua and great grandchildren Ella and Leif.
Don was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 19, 1934, where he lived until he enlisted in the Navy in 1951. His fingers were permanently curved from tying knots on the ships where he learned celestial navigation with the hopes to someday have his own yacht. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1959. He married Joanie Monson in 1953 and together they had five children - Doug, Trudie, Peggy, Debbie and Sue. They lived in St. Louis Park, Eden Prairie, Mound and Wayzata throughout their 50 years of marriage. Don was dedicated to loving and caring for Joanie throughout her many years of illness from Multiple Sclerosis before she passed in 2003.
Don believed in the value of "on-the-job-training" and encouraged his children and grandchildren to say yes to career opportunities, but to always keep an eye out for the next opportunity. He formed a commercial real estate company Towns Edge Properties with his childhood friend and business partner Dale Bistodeau. This path allowed him flexibility to spend quality time with Joanie and the family. Throughout his life, Don was proud to own and pilot a small plane, a yacht ("Serenity") and an RV ("Cramalot Inn") to take his family on many adventures.
He was a man of deep faith and a dutiful member of Our Lady of the Lake Church where served in a variety of roles throughout the years. He was also a proud supporter of the parish school where he encouraged many of his grandchildren to attend. Don recently celebrated 51 years of sobriety. He was inspired to help others and was proud to serve for a term as the Vice President of Calix International, an association of Catholics in recovery from alcoholism.
Although it had been nearly 20 years since Joanie passed, Don would often say he loved her more and more each day. He often told his family that his job was to love everyone and that only Jesus can judge. He signed every card and message with 143 Poppy (143 = I Love You) and always gave hugs and kisses when greeting people and saying goodbye. He would say, "We're a hugging family!" with his arms open wide to every new friend or family member. We will miss him dearly.
Don is survived by his children Trudie Levesque, Peggy Harris, Debbie (Montgomery Huntington deceased, Jon Quist deceased) Huntington and Sue (Dan) Geyen. Grandchildren Sky (Caleb) Trease, Dakota (Cristina) Harris, Nicole (Lee) Anderson, Michelle Levesque, Tyrone (Chelsie) Levesque, Melissa (Jason) Voronyak, Christina Mold, Angela Palesotti, Alicia Palesotti, Jasmine (Cason) Conn, Jon (Tabitha) Quist, David (Ivy) Quist, Tara (Sean) Zieglmeier and Eric (Molly) Geyen. Don had 41 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. He also leaves behind siblings Irene (David) Thielman, Patty (Tom) Seviola and Allen (Roseanne) Harris.
Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, May 7 at 11 AM at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 2385 Commerce Blvd., Mound (952-472-1284). Gathering 1 hour prior to Mass. Interment at Our Lady of the Lake Cemetery, Minnetrista immediately following and luncheon at the American Legion, 2333 Wilshire Blvd, Mound (952-472-9582). In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School.
He is preceded in death by his wife Joan, parents Raymond and Helen Harris, sister Margaret (Doug) Menard, son Douglas Harris, grandchild Joshua and great grandchildren Ella and Leif.
Don was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 19, 1934, where he lived until he enlisted in the Navy in 1951. His fingers were permanently curved from tying knots on the ships where he learned celestial navigation with the hopes to someday have his own yacht. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1959. He married Joanie Monson in 1953 and together they had five children - Doug, Trudie, Peggy, Debbie and Sue. They lived in St. Louis Park, Eden Prairie, Mound and Wayzata throughout their 50 years of marriage. Don was dedicated to loving and caring for Joanie throughout her many years of illness from Multiple Sclerosis before she passed in 2003.
Don believed in the value of "on-the-job-training" and encouraged his children and grandchildren to say yes to career opportunities, but to always keep an eye out for the next opportunity. He formed a commercial real estate company Towns Edge Properties with his childhood friend and business partner Dale Bistodeau. This path allowed him flexibility to spend quality time with Joanie and the family. Throughout his life, Don was proud to own and pilot a small plane, a yacht ("Serenity") and an RV ("Cramalot Inn") to take his family on many adventures.
He was a man of deep faith and a dutiful member of Our Lady of the Lake Church where served in a variety of roles throughout the years. He was also a proud supporter of the parish school where he encouraged many of his grandchildren to attend. Don recently celebrated 51 years of sobriety. He was inspired to help others and was proud to serve for a term as the Vice President of Calix International, an association of Catholics in recovery from alcoholism.
Although it had been nearly 20 years since Joanie passed, Don would often say he loved her more and more each day. He often told his family that his job was to love everyone and that only Jesus can judge. He signed every card and message with 143 Poppy (143 = I Love You) and always gave hugs and kisses when greeting people and saying goodbye. He would say, "We're a hugging family!" with his arms open wide to every new friend or family member. We will miss him dearly.
Don is survived by his children Trudie Levesque, Peggy Harris, Debbie (Montgomery Huntington deceased, Jon Quist deceased) Huntington and Sue (Dan) Geyen. Grandchildren Sky (Caleb) Trease, Dakota (Cristina) Harris, Nicole (Lee) Anderson, Michelle Levesque, Tyrone (Chelsie) Levesque, Melissa (Jason) Voronyak, Christina Mold, Angela Palesotti, Alicia Palesotti, Jasmine (Cason) Conn, Jon (Tabitha) Quist, David (Ivy) Quist, Tara (Sean) Zieglmeier and Eric (Molly) Geyen. Don had 41 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. He also leaves behind siblings Irene (David) Thielman, Patty (Tom) Seviola and Allen (Roseanne) Harris.
Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, May 7 at 11 AM at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 2385 Commerce Blvd., Mound (952-472-1284). Gathering 1 hour prior to Mass. Interment at Our Lady of the Lake Cemetery, Minnetrista immediately following and luncheon at the American Legion, 2333 Wilshire Blvd, Mound (952-472-9582). In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School.
Harris, Donald Raymond, age 87, of Wayzata, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather, passed away surrounded by family on April 14, 2022. He was lovingly known as "Poppy" to his 62 descendents who are his proud legacy.
He is preceded in death by his wife Joan, parents Raymond and Helen Harris, sister Margaret (Doug) Menard, son Douglas Harris, grandchild Joshua and great grandchildren Ella and Leif.
Don was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 19, 1934, where he lived until he enlisted in the Navy in 1951. His fingers were permanently curved from tying knots on the ships where he learned celestial navigation with the hopes to someday have his own yacht. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1959. He married Joanie Monson in 1953 and together they had five children - Doug, Trudie, Peggy, Debbie and Sue. They lived in St. Louis Park, Eden Prairie, Mound and Wayzata throughout their 50 years of marriage. Don was dedicated to loving and caring for Joanie throughout her many years of illness from Multiple Sclerosis before she passed in 2003.
Don believed in the value of "on-the-job-training" and encouraged his children and grandchildren to say yes to career opportunities, but to always keep an eye out for the next opportunity. He formed a commercial real estate company Towns Edge Properties with his childhood friend and business partner Dale Bistodeau. This path allowed him flexibility to spend quality time with Joanie and the family. Throughout his life, Don was proud to own and pilot a small plane, a yacht ("Serenity") and an RV ("Cramalot Inn") to take his family on many adventures.
He was a man of deep faith and a dutiful member of Our Lady of the Lake Church where served in a variety of roles throughout the years. He was also a proud supporter of the parish school where he encouraged many of his grandchildren to attend. Don recently celebrated 51 years of sobriety. He was inspired to help others and was proud to serve for a term as the Vice President of Calix International, an association of Catholics in recovery from alcoholism.
Although it had been nearly 20 years since Joanie passed, Don would often say he loved her more and more each day. He often told his family that his job was to love everyone and that only Jesus can judge. He signed every card and message with 143 Poppy (143 = I Love You) and always gave hugs and kisses when greeting people and saying goodbye. He would say, "We're a hugging family!" with his arms open wide to every new friend or family member. We will miss him dearly.
Don is survived by his children Trudie Levesque, Peggy Harris, Debbie (Montgomery Huntington deceased, Jon Quist deceased) Huntington and Sue (Dan) Geyen. Grandchildren Sky (Caleb) Trease, Dakota (Cristina) Harris, Nicole (Lee) Anderson, Michelle Levesque, Tyrone (Chelsie) Levesque, Melissa (Jason) Voronyak, Christina Mold, Angela Palesotti, Alicia Palesotti, Jasmine (Cason) Conn, Jon (Tabitha) Quist, David (Ivy) Quist, Tara (Sean) Zieglmeier and Eric (Molly) Geyen. Don had 41 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. He also leaves behind siblings Irene (David) Thielman, Patty (Tom) Seviola and Allen (Roseanne) Harris.
Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, May 7 at 11 AM at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 2385 Commerce Blvd., Mound (952-472-1284). Gathering 1 hour prior to Mass. Interment at Our Lady of the Lake Cemetery, Minnetrista immediately following and luncheon at the American Legion, 2333 Wilshire Blvd, Mound (952-472-9582). In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School.
He is preceded in death by his wife Joan, parents Raymond and Helen Harris, sister Margaret (Doug) Menard, son Douglas Harris, grandchild Joshua and great grandchildren Ella and Leif.
Don was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 19, 1934, where he lived until he enlisted in the Navy in 1951. His fingers were permanently curved from tying knots on the ships where he learned celestial navigation with the hopes to someday have his own yacht. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1959. He married Joanie Monson in 1953 and together they had five children - Doug, Trudie, Peggy, Debbie and Sue. They lived in St. Louis Park, Eden Prairie, Mound and Wayzata throughout their 50 years of marriage. Don was dedicated to loving and caring for Joanie throughout her many years of illness from Multiple Sclerosis before she passed in 2003.
Don believed in the value of "on-the-job-training" and encouraged his children and grandchildren to say yes to career opportunities, but to always keep an eye out for the next opportunity. He formed a commercial real estate company Towns Edge Properties with his childhood friend and business partner Dale Bistodeau. This path allowed him flexibility to spend quality time with Joanie and the family. Throughout his life, Don was proud to own and pilot a small plane, a yacht ("Serenity") and an RV ("Cramalot Inn") to take his family on many adventures.
He was a man of deep faith and a dutiful member of Our Lady of the Lake Church where served in a variety of roles throughout the years. He was also a proud supporter of the parish school where he encouraged many of his grandchildren to attend. Don recently celebrated 51 years of sobriety. He was inspired to help others and was proud to serve for a term as the Vice President of Calix International, an association of Catholics in recovery from alcoholism.
Although it had been nearly 20 years since Joanie passed, Don would often say he loved her more and more each day. He often told his family that his job was to love everyone and that only Jesus can judge. He signed every card and message with 143 Poppy (143 = I Love You) and always gave hugs and kisses when greeting people and saying goodbye. He would say, "We're a hugging family!" with his arms open wide to every new friend or family member. We will miss him dearly.
Don is survived by his children Trudie Levesque, Peggy Harris, Debbie (Montgomery Huntington deceased, Jon Quist deceased) Huntington and Sue (Dan) Geyen. Grandchildren Sky (Caleb) Trease, Dakota (Cristina) Harris, Nicole (Lee) Anderson, Michelle Levesque, Tyrone (Chelsie) Levesque, Melissa (Jason) Voronyak, Christina Mold, Angela Palesotti, Alicia Palesotti, Jasmine (Cason) Conn, Jon (Tabitha) Quist, David (Ivy) Quist, Tara (Sean) Zieglmeier and Eric (Molly) Geyen. Don had 41 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. He also leaves behind siblings Irene (David) Thielman, Patty (Tom) Seviola and Allen (Roseanne) Harris.
Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, May 7 at 11 AM at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 2385 Commerce Blvd., Mound (952-472-1284). Gathering 1 hour prior to Mass. Interment at Our Lady of the Lake Cemetery, Minnetrista immediately following and luncheon at the American Legion, 2333 Wilshire Blvd, Mound (952-472-9582). In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School.
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