Obituaries: Harsha

Posted on June 4, 2016

Jack Harsha

Jackson “Jack” T. Harsha, 89 of Bloomington, Illinois, passed away peacefully with his loving family surrounding him on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at 2:02 pm at Heritage Health Care of Bloomington.

Jack’s service will be held on Monday, June 6, 2016 at 10 a.m. at First Christian Church of Bloomington with Pastor Jim Warren officiating. Following the service he will be entombed at Park Hill Mausoleum, Bloomington with Military honors conducted by the Bloomington/Normal American Legion Honor Guard. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 5, 2016 from 1-3pm at Beck Memorial Home.

Memorials may be made to the VFW Post 454 Bloomington or American Cancer Society.

Beck Memorial Home, Bloomington, Illinois is in charge of arrangements.

Jack was born on March 27, 1927 in Normal, Illinois, the son of Frank and Hannissa A. Hutcheson Harsha. He married Mary Leonard on June 1, 1949 in Peoria, Illinois.

He is survived by his wife Mary, his children; Sandra (Doug) Haas of Bloomington and Kristi Bayne of Normal, grandchildren; Brian (Francine) Haas and Kelsey Bayne and 1 brother; William (Joann) Harsha of Florida.

He is preceded by his parents, 1 brother and 2 sisters.

Jack started his career at age 16 with the Williams Oil-O-Matic Heating Co. later known as Eureka-Williams Company. He worked for 45 years for the company retiring in 1989.

Jack was a proud and dedicated Sergeant 1st Class serving in WWII and Korean War. While serving overseas in Berlin, Germany he was a decorated Train Commander on the “Dreamliner” (Transport Division Rail Omgus) and also played football for the “Fighting Thirteenth” Berlin Bears Football Team.

He was a member of First Christian Church of Bloomington, VFW Post 454, American Legion Post 56 Bloomington and Post 635 Normal, Forty and Eight Society and the IAOM Union.

Jack never met a stranger and loved golfing, fishing, camping and was known as the ultimate jokester. He also was an avid and ardent fan, cheering on the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears.

Jack was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed by his family. His family would always hear him say “All good things come from Heaven”.

Online condolences may be made to www.beckmemorial.com.

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