Harris Edward Ferch

Harris Edward Ferch, age 91, formerly of Brandon, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 15, 2011, at Grancare Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Fond du Lac.

Harris was born on November 9, 1919 in the Town of Springvale, Fond du Lac County, WI, a son of Edward and Rose (Smith)Ferch. On September 25, 1943 he married Dorothy Wallendal in Brandon. Harris farmed near Brandon for a few years. Harris was a lifelong Brandon area resident, known to most of his friends as Jim. He was employed as a milk hauler for Alto Coop; owned and operated his own trucking company for a number of years, hauling peas, corn and gravel; and worked for Johnson’s Feed Mill in Brandon. He was then employed by B & B Trucking, and later delivered tractors for his son at Bob’s Repair in Brandon. Harris enjoyed collecting Farmall and John Deere tractors. He was a member of Brandon United Methodist Church.

Harris is survived by two daughters; Shirley (Andy) Wahl, Brandon, Betty (Jim) Voskuil, Waupun; his son, Robert (Sandy) Ferch, Brandon, six grandchildren; Dale Voskuil, Pickett; Judy (Chris) Schouten, Brandon; Patty (Ryan) Gustavus, Fond du Lac; Mike (Amy) Wahl, Marytown; Paul (Pam) Ferch, and Dan (Ann) Ferch, both of Brandon; eight great-grandchildren, Allyssa and Kayla Schouten; Austin and Landen Ferch; Colten and Lincoln Gustavus; and Lillian and Madelyn Wahl; his brother, Harold (Terry) Ferch, Ripon, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Harris was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, in November 2010; his parents, and his sister, Leona Berger.

A celebration service of Harris’ Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 18, 2011 at Brandon United Methodist Church, 107 East Washington Street, with Pastor Laura Yates officiating. Burial will follow at Wedges Prairie Cemetery.

Harris’ family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday from 2 – 6 p.m. at Kohls Community Funeral Home, 405 West Main Street, Waupun, and on Monday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

A memorial fund has been established in Harris’ name.

Harris’ family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the staff of Grancare for the loving and compassionate care shown to their dad for the past five years.