Norman Harris

For Norman Harris, life was a gift, and worth celebrating. With an infectious smile and a spirit quick to laugh, Norm always knew that he had much worth celebrating in his life—a loving wife, wonderful children, and eleven grandkids who brought him nothing but joy. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Norman will be dearly missed, but lovingly remembered.

The year 1929 is most famous for one thing—the dawn of the Great Depression. It was a tense year in the United States, as many people lost their jobs and sense of security. However, many people experienced small moments of joy in 1929 as well. In the city of Marion, Ohio, Herbert and Lola (Creasap) Harris were experiencing their own small moments of joy as they anxiously anticipated the birth of a new child. On July 7, 1929, Lola gave birth to a healthy baby, a boy who they named Norman. Lola always laughed about Norm’s arrival into the world, as his life seemed to revolve around the number seven—he was born in the seventh hour of the seventh day of the seventh month, and weighed a healthy total of seven pounds.

Norm enjoyed a happy childhood in Marion, Ohio, growing up with his siblings. The family moved to Racine when he was nine. In the year 1948, he proudly graduated with his class from Washington Park High School. After graduation, Norm decided it was important that he further his education. He decided to study business at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While in college, he was also a member of the Delta Sigma Pi Fraternity. Norm successfully completed his studies, and attained his degree in Business. In the fall of 1952, Norm was invited by a friend to listen to an organist at the bar in the old Racine Hotel. While there, he was introduced to another friend, a young woman named Elizabeth. While there were many people in the crowded bar, including many friends, Norm only had eyes for one lady--Elizabeth. He was immediately smitten, and just two weeks later, he declared that Elizabeth was the woman he would marry. Fortunately, Elizabeth felt the same way. However Uncle Sam had other plans for Norm and in March of 1953 he was drafted in the armed forces. He proudly served as a Radio Engineer in the U.S. Army, and was stationed in Europe.

After returning home from serving in Europe, and true to his word, Norm married Elizabeth J. Kaeppel at the Plymouth Congregational Church in Milwaukee on November 12, 1955.

The newlyweds loved being married, and soon decided that it was time to start a family. They had three wonderful children together, Timothy Bert, Kerry Elizabeth and Kristine Mary. In 1965, Norm gained a job at Racine Industries. A hard worker, Norm worked many long hours to support his family, and didn’t slow down until his children had finished with college. In 1999, Norm retired from Racine Industries as Vice President of Manufacturing.

After retiring, Norm enjoyed his new free time, and the slower pace of life. When Norm’s children had grown and had kids of their own, Norm took great joy in becoming a grandfather. Norman spent time fishing, and enjoyed an occasional brandy old fashioned made with his own special recipe. Norm had always enjoyed traveling, and in his free time he traveled to every state in the U.S, with the exception of Idaho. He also spent the past ten winters in Laughlin, Nevada. Norm was a longtime dedicated member and Deacon of the Plymouth Congregational Church in Racine as well. In his younger years, Norm had enjoyed serving as a chaperone with the Kiltie Kadets and also with the Boy Scouts.

With an infectious laugh, and a smile that will never be forgotten, Norm believed that life was something to be celebrated. A friendly, outgoing man, Norm could talk to anyone, and took great joy in the company of friends and family. Those who knew Norman best will continue to celebrate his life, and to“hoist a beer” in his memory. A loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, Norm will be truly missed.

Norman K. Harris, age 81, passed away Sunday January 16, 2011 at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Hospital. Survivors include his loving wife of fifty five years, Liz; children, Timothy Bert (Cynthia) Harris of Big Bend, Kerry Elizabeth (Randy) Riemer of Brookfield, Kristine Mary (William) Infield of Sioux Falls, SD; 11 grandchildren, Robert Casey Harris, Daniel Timothy Harris, Michael Kenneth Harris, Nicholas Andrew Harris, Catherine Marie Harris, Benjamin Scott Riemer, Elizabeth Ann Riemer, Kimberly Rae Infield, Brooke Danielle Infield, Kasi Jane Infield, Bradley Allen Infield; brother, Allan (Jackie) Harris of Cedar Lake, IN; sister, Margaret Rose Harris and her husband Ken Hitzke of Madison; many in-laws, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Norm was also preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Barbara Harris.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home Thursday January 20, 2011, 5:00 p.m., with Rev. Ronald Segedy officiating. Entombment will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home Thursday from 3:00 p.m. until time of services at 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Heart Association have been suggested. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a memory or photo and sign Norm’s online guestbook.