Submitted by: Dan Rich
John Harness
Nov. 17, 1931 - Oct. 29, 2008
South Bend Tribune 11/1/2008
SOUTH BEND - John Harness, 76, beloved husband and father
passed away unexpectedly on October 29, 2008 in Chandler,
Arizona. John LeRoy Harness was born November 17, 1931, to James
and Nellie (Jenkins) Harness in South Bend, Indiana. He
was the fourth of seven children and was a lifelong resident of
the South Bend area. He grew up on the family farm and attended
German Township schools. John was in the Marine Corps from
1949-1952 and was active during the Korean War. After an
honorable discharge, he married Maxine Sarber in 1954. She
preceded him in death in August 1968. In 1969, he married Nancy
Jackson, who survives. Together they have seven children, Susan
(Ande) Haynes and Lisa Krieg of New Carlisle, Sally Foster of
Granger, Sheila Harness of Elkhart, Dave (Misty) Harness
of Kirklin, Indiana and Amy (Eric) Gulbrandsen of
Barrington, Illinois. A son Scott preceded him in death in 1997.
Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Joshua and Erin Krieg,
Brendon Hernandez, Caitlin Foster, Scott, Michael,
and Catherine Harness and Christian and Ava Gulbrandsen. Also
surviving is a great-grandchild, Mia Krieg.
John had a successful career at United Parcel Service, retiring after 23 years of outstanding service where he was affectionately known as "Sarge". Even though John retired at an early age, he was never one to sit idle. He enjoyed being "Mr. Fix-it". John never met a machine, automobile or household appliance that he could not fix. John wintered in Arizona and enjoyed many rounds of golf, but his true home was always in Indiana. During the summer months, John could be seen "tinkering" in his pole barn or mowing the lawn. Visitation will be held from 2-5 p.m., Sunday, November 2, 2008, at the Kaniewski Funeral Home 3545 N. Bendix Drive South Bend, Indiana. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 3, 2008, in the funeral home. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, John would ask that you vote Republican. If you can't do that, donations can be made to the American Heart Association
3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674 or to the American Lung Association of Indiana, Suite 1180-S, 115 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204.