Harris Duane Wemark

Tuesday, June 26, 2018 4:54 pm

Harris Duane Wemark, 74, of Ridgeway, died peacefully Monday, June 25, 2018, at his home, after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Friday, June 29, at Peace Lutheran Church, with Pastor Jeff Hansen officiating. Musicians were Reagan Bieber and Cindy Hansen. Hymns were “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” “For the Fruit of All Creation” and “One Pair of Hands.” Casket bearers were Tony Walhus, Steve Larson, Aaron Wemark, Jeff Wemark, Jamie Wemark and Duane Albertson. Honorary casket bearers were Tom and Connie Frana, Steve and Patty Elsbernd, Cletus and Maxine Humpal, Dale and Florence Strossahl, Dan and Kim O’Brien and Jed and Joyce Becker. Military rites were provided by Decorah and Cresco military groups, United States Army. Interment was at Lincoln Lutheran Cemetery, Ridgeway.

Harris Duane Wemark was born Oct. 1, 1943, the son of Leonard and Helen (Magnus) Wemark in Decorah. He attended school in Ridgeway and graduated from Crestwood High School in Cresco in 1961. After graduating, Harris worked on the family farm until he was drafted by the United States Army in 1965. He served until 1967, and was stationed in Germany. He returned home to help his parents on the farm and also worked for Ridgeway Cheese and Butter. Harris and Mary were married Nov. 2, 1973, at the Peace Lutheran Church in Ridgeway. Together they raised their four children: Rick, Eric, Chrishelle and Nick on the family farm. Harris continued to be actively engaged in farming until Jan. 1, 2018, when his health was declining. He still tried to make daily trips to the farm or called Eric and Nick several times a day to check in to see how things were going and to give some advice. Harris enjoyed attending all the activities of his grandchildren, including sports, music concerts, and 4-H. During the last year he went to a Twins Game in Milwaukee, a Minnesota Vikings game and an ISU basketball game with some of his family. Harris loved all sports and enjoyed playing as much as watching. He also loved playing cards with Mary and their card club friends for the past 44 years. Harris was an active member of the Peace Lutheran Church, where he had served on the church council and was currently the secretary for the Lincoln Cemetery Assn. He previously served on the Board of Directors for the Winneshiek Coop.

Harris is survived by his wife, Mary J. Wemak, Ridgeway; children: Rick (Shelly Kruse) Wemark, New Hampton; Eric (Darcy) Wemark, Ridgeway; Chrishelle (Joel Stravers), Ridgeway; and Nick (Katie) Wemark, Fort Atkinson; grandchildren: Zachary, Alexa, and Drake Wemark; Carson, Addison, Bryson, and Emerson Wemark; Ethan and Haylee Stravers; Aidan, Austin, and Abe Wemark; brother, Howard (Mary T.) Wemark, Ridgeway; brothers-in-law, Ron (Joan) Rude, Decorah and Don Rude, Decorah; along with many nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved.

Harris was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Helen (Magnus) Wemark; sister, Marilyn Wemark; infant grandson, Jack Wemark; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roger and Gladys (Brandt) Rude.

A special “thank you” to the caring staff of the Howard County Hospice.