Robert Harris, 97, Green Bay, passed away March 17, 2018, of natural causes with family by his side. Born on December 8, 1920, he is the son of the late Charles and Lucille (Laurant) Harris. He married the former Ethel Krouse on May 19, 1945, at St. Willebrord’s Parish and she preceded him in death on July 14, 1997. Robert joined the Green Bay Select Service Batteries Reserve Unit in 1939 and he was the last surviving member. He then went into active duty in 1941 and served in the United States Navy during WWII as a signalman aboard the USS Pokomoke and then was honorably discharged as an Ensign (Flight Instructor). Robert first worked as a mason contractor and then Ethel and Robert spent most of their married life working side by side as the owner and operators of the Mobile Gas Station, Flying High Club, and the Tower Motel. He was an active volunteer who served on the Red Cross (drove elderly and flew blood), Accordion Club, Ship 18, President of the Visitor and Convention, cleaned at Saints Peter and Paul Church, Silver Wings, and Retired Men’s Club. Robert enjoyed hunting, fishing, flying, camping in Crandon, the Packers, dancing, playing cards, and playing guitar and singing.
He is survived by his four children, Robert Harris of Memphis, TN, Janice Harris, John Harris, and Mary Lou Harris of Green Bay; five grandchildren, Robert (LeeAnn) Harris, Joseph (Kelly) Harris, Jimmy John Harris, Nicolas Barth, Kimberly Rae Belanger-Harris; seven great grandchildren, Robert Harris, William Harris, Palmer Harris, Straton Harris, Brodie Harris, Damian Barth, and Brianna Rae Barth; many nieces and nephews.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; wife; mother and father-in-law, John and Mary Krouse; step father, Victor Lefevre; daughter, Suzanne Harris; son-in-law, Ralph P. Belanger Jr; granddaughter, Suzanne Harris; great granddaughter, Parker Harris; brother, Clayton (Betty) Harris; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bea (Gabe) Leurquin, Lloyd (Gen) Krouse, Marce (Orland) Picard, Sister Mary Denise Krouse, Larry (Betty) Krouse, Roy Krouse, and Catherine Krouse.
Visitation at Malcore Funeral Home, 701 N. Baird St., Tuesday, March 27, from 4 PM until 8 PM. Parish Wake Service at 7 PM at the funeral home. Visitation will continue at the funeral home Wednesday from 9:00 AM until the time of the Funeral Mass at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church at 10:30 AM. Burial at Allouez Catholic Cemetery.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Heartland Hospice especially, Staci, Brenda, Jason, Chaplin John, Sabine, Sarah, and Marie. Also, to Jim Ball who gave Dad communion and conversation. A special thank you to Mary Lou for her commitment to Dad’s care. Lastly, a special thank you to Dr. Sundlass, and nurse Judy.
In lieu of flowers please direct any expressions of sympathy to Camp American Legion, Rolling Thunder WI 3, and Old Glory Honor Flight.