Gene R. Harris

VIOLA Gene R. Harris, age 88, died Sunday November 27, 2016 at Vernon Manor in Viroqua. Gene was born on May 23, 1928 to Gerald and Lucille (Eastman) Harris, at home in Vernon Co., at the area known as Manning. He graduated from Viola High School in 1947. Gene was united in marriage to Catherine Arlene Kinsey 63 years ago on October 17, 1953, at the United Methodist Church in Viola by Pastor Ed Zager. He was a farmer all of his life. They lived on the family farm, first as a renter, then as owners. He was self- employed for some 60 years before his health began to fail. Afterwards Gene and Catherine enjoyed going on many fishing vacations. Gene was an excellent woodworker and mechanic. He was a quiet, gentle man, and he loved and enjoyed his family and the times spent with them. Gene is survived by his wife Catherine, their children Linda (Jim Bornfleth) Harris of LaCrosse, John (Kitty) Harris of Monona WI, and Jim (Joni) Harris of Hollandale WI, and six grandchildren; Adam, Joshua(Anna), Lexie, Joy, Jaclyn and Jonathon. Also surviving are two brothers-in-law Leroy Kinsey of Viola, and Joe (Shirley) Kinsey of LaFarge, and one sister-in-law Marilyn Kinsey of Foley AL, an ex-son-in-law Wayne Hadley of Onalaska, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Norma Wilmot, father and mother-in-laws Byron and Audrey Kinsey, a brother-in-law Roger Kinsey of Foley AL, and a sister-in-law Janette Kinsey. A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be on Thursday December 1, 2016 at the United Methodist Church, 225 N. Washington St. in Viola at 11:30 A.M. Pastor Larry Stegall will officiate. Friends may call on the family during a visitation from 10:30-11:30 before the service on Thursday. A luncheon will follow. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be directed to Vernon Memorial Hospice, the Viola Methodist Church or the Kickapoo Rescue Squad. Online Condolences may be offered at www.vossfh.com The Vosseteig Funeral Homes Henthorn Memorial Center, 129 S. Main St. in Viola is serving the Family.