Kathryn Harris
April 11, 1924 ~ June 18, 2014
Kathryn K. Harris age 90 of New Hampton, IA died Wednesday morning, June 18, 2014, at her home.
A Memorial Service will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 23, 2014, at the Congregational United Church of Christ, New Hampton with Pastor Paul Pickar presiding. Friends may greet the family beginning at 9:30 a.m. Monday, June 23, 2014, at the church prior to the service. Inurnment will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery, Nashua.
Kathryn Kent Harris was born April 11, 1924, in Cedar Rapids, IA, the daughter of Rev. William and Bessie (Murray) Kent. She attended school in Nashua until the 10th grade and was a graduate from Cedar Rapids Washington High School in 1942. After graduation, Kathryn was employed at Inter-Ocean Reinsurance Company in Cedar Rapids for seven years where she was the secretary to the president of the company.
During Kathryn’s school years, Kathryn was introduced to Calvin Harris and the couple were married on February 12, 1949, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. To this union, two children were born; Ken and Kathy. Kathryn and the family moved to the Republic area, rural Ionia, where they farmed for 13 years. In 1962, the family moved to rural New Hampton where they continued to farm and raise their family. Kathryn started working as a secretary for Donohue Wilkins Donohue law firm. She worked at the law firm for three years. Kathryn obtained a job working for the county superintendent of schools as a secretary for ten years.
Kathryn loved to travel, each year Calvin and Kathryn would go on a trip to a new destination around the country. They were always looking for a new adventure. She was very fond of music wither it was playing the piano, Broadway musicals, or just listening to the radio. Music played a special part in Kathryn’s life. Kathryn enjoyed reading and learning about American History, especially the Abraham Lincoln era. Kathryn loved bird watching, especially the hummingbirds that would visit their acreage.
Kathryn is survived by her husband, Calvin; one son, Ken (Sharleen) Harris of Milwaukee, WI; one daughter, Kathy Harris of Fort Collins, CO; and six grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Bill Kent, Kenny Kent, Ray Kent; two sisters, Mary White, Virginia Lehr.
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I was so sorry to hear of Kathryn’s passing. My thoughts are with you, Kathy, Ken, and Calvin. I know it is a difficult time. She was such an interesting lady, with enthusiasm for so many things. I remember how taking a walk on the farm, seeing a particular bird or hearing a favorite song could bring her such joy. I am glad she was part of my life. Joel Hurmence
Kathy, I just learned of your mother’s passing a few minutes ago. I am so sorry I didn’t reach out to you sooner! Please accept our sincere condolences. Your mother was a very gifted and gracious lady. I have pleasant memories of her and I wish I had known her better. She lived an interesting life. Her picture on this page is so pretty! My heart goes out to you, your father and Ken and his family at this difficult time. We love you. Clint and Laura
Sharleen Leonard lit a candle in memory of Kathryn K. Harris
I grew up on a farm adjacent to the Harris farm south if Republic. Calvin’s Father liked to fish and he often took me along with Calvin and Edward fishing down by and in the Wapsie river. I never was real well acquainted with Kathryn but I knew she was a very quiet and friendly person. We all offer our prayers and condolences to Calvin and family. Ralph and Shirley Feuchtwanger and family
Thinking of you all. I hope you are able to enjoy your time together, sharing memories and celebrating her life and your goodly heritage.
Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of your mother and father when my sisters and I stopped to visit them on our vacation in 2009. Their hospitality was warm and welcoming. I knew your mother loved Cardinals and bluebirds and was glad to share sightings. She was a lovely lady.
Please accept our deepest sympathy. May those precious memories be foremost in your hearts and minds during this difficult time. ( Isaiah 25:8)
I want to extend my deepest sympathy to Ken and Kathy for the loss of your Mother! So sorry that we have lost contact with one another over the years. For that I am also deeply sorry! Sincerely, Dave Rasmussen
We were so sorry to hear of Aunt Kathryn’s passing. We enjoyed spending time together with Uncle Calvin, Aunt Kathryn, Aunt MIldred, and Mom(Florence) at the Hy Vee in Charles City. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Al and Phyllis Koster
I am a first cousin to Calvin and offer our condolences.
To my uncle Calvin and family, I was so sorry to hear of Aunt Kathryn’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Tricia (Koster) Krueger and family Florence Martin’s granddaughter
To my uncle Calvin and cousins, Kathy and Kenny, Just heard yesterday morning from my uncle Calvin of the passing of our dear aunt Kathryn – the last of the Kent family. My mother, Virginia, was Kathryn’s older sister. In fact, she was 10 years older and helped raise Kathryn. Mom always told me how close they were and that aunt Kathryn called her ‘my Ginnie’. I recall seeing many pictures of young Kathryn growing up and remember hearing what a great student she was. She will be dearly missed by all of us and may she rest in peace. Barbara Lehr West and Hal West
To my uncle and cousins- I just heard from my sister that my aunt, and dear sister of my mother Virginia Kent Lehr, has passed away. She is the last of the Kents and a sad day for our whole family. I will be contacting Calvin, Kenny and Kathy, and await news of the pending service. Stuart, Sheryl Lehr W Des Moines, IA