Frederick Harris

Frederick Joseph "Joe" Harris of Watertown, 75 years young, went home to meet his heavenly Father on Monday, March 4, 2019. He left this earthly world peacefully at his home surrounded by his family who loved him dearly. Joe was born in Richland Center to William "Bill" and Mary (nee Kraska) Harris on July 25, 1943. On Oct. 31, 1963, he married the love of his life, Pamela Jean (nee Lee) Harris in Jefferson. They shared 55 wonderful years together as husband and wife. Joe graduated from Fort Atkinson High School and went on to complete an apprenticeship in masonry through Waukesha County Technical College in 1963. He was employed as a mason for over 41 years, 33 of which were at Oliver Construction Company in Oconomowoc. He was also a member of the International Union of Bricklayers Local 8 for over 50 years. Leading a Christian life and sharing his beliefs with others was a passion for him. He frequently traveled to California and the Alaskan village of Bethel where he was a missionary and a teacher at the Moravian seminary. He also taught confirmation at the Watertown Moravian Church and was a Mount Morris Camp counselor. During his years as a member of the Moravian church, he served as a trustee and elder. He spent many hours studying the Holy Bible in all of its forms and was more than happy to share its teachings with all. Joe was currently a member at the Creek Bible Church where he led several weekly Bible studies. He was an exemplary Christian and was well respected in his church community. He pridefully built three beautiful ponds in the front yard of his home. Koi fish were born and raised in these ponds for over 24 years. Joe and Pam were blessed with four children: Jeffrey (Lisa Brunk) Harris, Laura (Todd) Rowoldt, Crist (Jennifer LaBorde) Harris, all of Watertown, and Alisa (Dan) Lemke of Wautoma; 13 grandchildren, Joey (Rachael) Harris, Lauren (Layton) Schwefel, Mary Harris, Tara (Will Wiley), Christopher (Ann Daughtery) Rowoldt, Erica (Rowoldt) Blount, Gavin and Alayna Kuerschner, Kaylee Lemke, Avery, Griffin, Owen and Garett Harris; great-grandchildren Colton and Cannon Jo Wiley, Sariah Blount and another on the way. Joe is also survived by two brothers, Robert Gene of Fort Atkinson, Jerry (Julie) of Sauk Prairie; two sisters, Margo (Ron) Zeman, Marlene (Jeff) Zick, both of Sauk Prairie; sister-in-law Connie Harris of Oklahoma; and many, many other relatives, friends and faithful companion, his sweet puppy, Teddy. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, William "Bill" Harris; sister-in-law Marie Harris; and a great-grandson, Kadius Blount. A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home & Cremation Service from 10 a.m. to noon. A memorial service will follow with Pastor Connie Mundt officiating. Remembrances and condolences may be sent on watertownwifuneralhome.com. The family wishes to thank all of the medical staff who have cared for Joe over the past weeks including Dr. Basarich, Aurora Medical Center in Summit and Rainbow Hospice. Donations or memorials can be made to the family.

Visitation

Saturday, March 9, 2019 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home & Cremation Service
500 Welsh Rd. Watertown 53098, United States