John L. Harkness

John Lewis Harkness, 91, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2016, at home under the care of family and Hospice of the Red River Valley. John was born July 18, 1925, in St. Paul, MN, to John A. and Louise Engebretson Harkness. He grew up and attended school St. Paul, where he graduated from Minnehaha Academy. Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served until 1946. John moved to Moorhead in 1947 following the death of his parents as a result of a plane crash. He then attended and graduated from Concordia College. On September 27, 1952, he married Margaret Bekkerus at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead. Together they made their home and started a family. John enjoyed his time as a pharmaceutical rep. for over 30 years. He enjoyed visiting with others and always found a way to find some common ground. Over the years, John was active with Concordia College, Jaycees, Kiwanis, Boy Scouts of America, Trinity Lutheran Church, the American Legion and was instrumental in Moorhead Youth Hockey and the Blue Line Club. He also enjoyed the 20 years he volunteered as a patient advocate with Sanford in the Emergency Room. He had a great laugh and loved to tell a good joke. He also loved to spend time outdoors, fishing, canoeing and camping any chance he could, but most of all loved spending time with his family. He will be dearly missed.

John is survived by he loving wife of 63 years, Margaret; children, Carla Stuart Hilleboe, Bruce Harkness and Clay Elizabeth Frey Harkness; grandchildren, Ben Hannah Fraser Hilleboe, Cody Hilleboe, Julia Harkness; great-grandson, Bodhi; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles; and sister, Marsha Feste.

Visitation: Thursday, September 8, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

Funeral: Friday, September 9, at 1:00 p.m., in Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN.

Interment: Riverside Cemetery, Glyndon, MN.