Harlen “Slim” Harris

October 11, 1933 ~ April 27, 2023

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

Visitation will 12:30~2PM, Saturday, May 6, 2023, with a Memorial Service beginning at 2pm, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lakefield, MN, with Pastor Andrew Schenstead officiating.

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 Ceylon High School with the class of 1951. Following graduation, Slim worked for a tree service out of Mankato. On September 28, 1952, he married Florence “Tudy” Houts, his roller-skating partner, in Estherville, IA. This union was blessed with 10 beautiful children.

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; stepchildren, Lisa (Curt) Kolander, and Mark Hall; twenty-eight grandchildren; forty-five great-grandchildren; and one great-greatgrandchild.

Waiting to welcome Slim to arrive home were his daughter, Kelly Koopman; sons, Kevin “Roy” Harris, and Marlen “Sam” Harris; stepdaughter, Tammy Hall; brothers, Ronald and Leland Harris; sister-in-law, Ruby Harris; and his former spouse, Florence “Tudy” Harris.

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