Donald "Don" L. Harrie

Minutes before sunrise on Monday, September 23rd a good man was prayerfully and peacefully released from this earth into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with family by his side. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, September 28th at 3pm, family will greet and gather with friends one hour prior to the service at St. Pauls Lutheran Church. A meal and fellowship will follow the service. Inurnment will take place in the Spring. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts are suggested to the family for future designation to serve veteran’s mental wellness and cancer patients. Condolences can be left at www.giallfaiths.com. Born in rural Grand Island to Fred and Goldie (Smith) Harrie, Don was raised on the family farm south of Chapman. Growing up near the Wood and Platte Rivers, sparked his love for wildlife and nature and created his lifelong passion for hunting and fishing. Growing up in simpler times meant spending more time outdoors and creating your own toys to pass the time. Don and his friends could often be found creating toys out of corncobs and once they even invented their own duck feather plucking machine to take care of the trophies from their frequent hunts. Don graduated from Chapman High School Class of 1955. Before graduating, he served in the National Guard for two and a half years. He then served in the United States Air Force from 1956 to 1959. He was extremely proud of his service and his love for his country was very evident throughout his lifetime. On September 1, 1962, he became the honorable husband of Judy Kay Wiley, the love of his life. They were blessed with two daughters Carla and Donna. After his military service, Don worked for a lumberyard in Chapman, where he was introduced to Wright & Wilhelmy Co., a wholesale hardware supplier based in Omaha. Don worked for them for 38 years where he was acknowledged as one of the company’s top salesmen. His work for the company took him all across the state, from Mullen to Thedford and the surrounding communities, he would often travel 710 miles a week. After his retirement from Wright & Wilhelmy Co. Don worked part-time for a landscaping business to keep busy. Throughout his lifetime, Don was remembered as an extremely hard worker and always said he didn’t finish a job until it was done right! Don’s many interests and hobbies included hunting, fishing, golfing, photography, and simply being in nature. A hobby he acquired later in life that brought joy to hundreds of people were his handmade “Leaves of Love and Happiness” he especially loved gifting them to fellow veterans. He even had the opportunity to give a leaf to Lee Greenwood in 2018, Greenwood was very touched by the gesture and told Don, “Don’t you ever stop doing that.” Don loved the simple life and looked forward to his country drives and meeting his friends and family for coffee and rolls. He could often be found looking out the window, simply enjoying the world around him! These words are just a brief summary of the story of Don’s life. Nothing will truly describe the extraordinary man he was. His family and friends will remember him as a loving and devoted husband and father. Caring, compassionate, and dependable. A devoted friend with a giving heart that never failed to make those around him smile. A proud patriot and Nebraskan. An all-around happy-go-lucky guy and above all, a true man of God. Those who knew Don are truly blessed to have been a part of his amazing life story which will live on through God’s love and the life stories of others. Those left to cherish his stories and memories are his two daughters and sons-in-law: Carla and Brian Meyer, and Donna and Mike Sorensen; a grandson, Caleb; brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Carol Harrie and their family; sister, Bonnie Hudnall and her family; cousins, Carol and Allen Quandt; his kitty companion, Rufus; and countless friends and extended family. Those who have gone on before him include his grandparents, parents; brother, Jim; sister, Lorraine; and several aunts, uncles, a niece and nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Donald "Don" L. Harrie

April 14, 1936 - September 23, 2024

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Donald "Don" L. Harrie

April 14, 1936 - September 23, 2024

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support