Eugene “Geno” Harris, born on June 24, 1925, the son of Norman and Mae Harris of Kipling, Michigan, passed away peacefully Thursday February 3, 2022, in Bokeelia, Florida.
Gene was born on June 24, 1925, the son of Norman and Mae Harris of Kipling, Michigan.
In 1949, he married Marie Farrell and together they raised seven children. They were married for 69 years until her passing in 2018. Most of those years were spent in Wells, Michigan. They later moved to Kipling where Gene still resided until his death. “There was someone very special waiting at the gates of heaven to dance with him again.”
Gene was hired by the Chicago Northwestern Railroad in 1946 as a conductor. He retired in 1983.
Gene loved carpentry as a hobby. He wouldn’t be afraid to tackle any building project—his home in Wells as well as in Kipling and cabinets for family and friends over the years. Gene was always busy in his wood shop whether in Michigan or Florida. One of his favorite projects was making long shoehorns—he spent a lot of time cutting, sanding, and polishing them only to give them away. Many of his friends suggested he sell them. He just really enjoyed giving them away and receiving a heartfelt thank you. Nothing made him happier in his later years than to have someone come back and ask for another—you couldn’t leave the house without one in hand!
Gene loved his camp in Trenary and loved entertaining up there with his famous spaghetti feeds or pig roasts. He was the head chef for those meals but not without a secret touch added by Marie. Gene and Marie were long time members of the Gladstone Golf Club where he was instrumental in helping design and create the second nine holes and volunteered to help with endless projects. Again, as with everything else he committed to, he gave it 120%.
Gene and Marie spent many years wintering in Bokeelia, Florida. They made many dear friends who became a second family for them—especially, Lynn Maki, Diane and Jeff Ruth, and Karen and Walt Klein.
Gene is survived by his children Sandy (Erv) Vandeville, Jerry Harris, Patti (Don) Seidl, Julie (Tim) Bishop, and Nancy Harris and special friend, Rita Sturdy. He was blessed with nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie and children Jack and Daniel Harris; his parents, Norman and Mae Harris and siblings, Robert, Ted, and Dick Harris.
Family will receive friends on Friday, May 27, 2022, from 10:00AM to 11:00AM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military rites will follow at 11:00AM, at the Skradski Funeral Home, with the Rapid River American Legion Post #301 presiding. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30AM on Friday, at All Saints Church in Gladstone, with Rev. Fr. Robb Jurkovich officiating. Geno will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. Memorial contributions in Geno’s name may be directed to the Upper Peninsula Honor Flight or the Marine Corp. League Toys for Tots Program. Envelopes will be available at the Skradski Funeral Home throughout visitation. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.
Mark Hager - Sun Lakes, AZ
Jerry and all the family; so sorry for your loss! I always loved talking with Gene and very much enjoyed seeing him. He’ll be missed and I’m thankful to have known him as a friend. God bless!
Terry & Kathy Levesque - Urbana, OH
Sandy, Jerry, Patti, Julie and Nancy …. I was shocked when I heard of your Dad’s passing …. So many great memories of growing up in Wells …. As kids, we never got away with much as our parents kept an eye on everything we doing …. God forbid the one who got of line – lol …. Will always remember going down in the basement and seeing his assortment of skis that were in the process of being made …. I will always remember the day he took me along to Gladstone the Ski Hill – lololol …. That day he decided I would never be a skier …. I had no trouble falling down the ski but could never get the hang of the tow rope to get back up the hill …. The old guard is turning things over to us and the memories will never be forgotten …. Love: Terry and Kathy Levesque
Cheryl Bernard - DeTour Village, MI
Dear Julie & Family,
Dennis & I send you our sincere condolences for the loss of your Dad. Even though he was blessed with a wonderful long life, it’s never easy to lose them. May you take comfort in his reunion with your Mom.
Sending Hugs,
Cheryl & Den
joe moberg - DePere, Wi
Jerry and Julie and rest of Geno’s family. Your Dad was one of a kind . Always had a smile and something nice to say. I remember him and his motorhome at the Manistique 4man ,always ready to have a drink before eating.The world has lost a true Gentleman and treasure.May God except him with open arms and a new putter.
Jennifer Harris - Escanaba, MI
I am so sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. I am thankful I randomly met him this past summer and able to put a face to the name I’ve heard over the years. My heartfelt condolences to all the Harris clan on your loss.
Jenny Harris
EJ Harris’ granddaughter
Judy Ebbesen - Sun City, AZ
Rick and I send our condolences to the Harris family. Both Gene and Marie were fixtures at the Gladstone Golf Club. I worked with Gene on the board when I was secretary-treasurer. He gave so much of his time for the good of the club.
Melissa Ward - Gladstone, MI
Dan and I send you Healing Prayers in the loss of your dad, recently. Gene and Marie were a well-known part of our Gladstone Golf Club. They will be united for a round of Golf in the Great Beyond!!!
Dan and Mel Ward
Gladstone, Mi.
Lori Dean Kleiman - Escanaba, MI
Dear Julie, Tim, and family:
We never met your Dad; he sounds like a terrific man. We feel very grateful that we are recipients of the beautiful shoehorns made by his capable, talented, and loving hands.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.
Lori and Randy Kleiman
Escanaba