William “Bill” F. Harris, 64, of rural Austin, Minnesota, died Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, at his home.

He was born Aug. 22, 1951, in St. Clair, Michigan, the son of Murray and Gail (Gallagher) Harris. Bill attended elementary school in Ottumwa, Iowa, and Albert Lea, junior high in Albert Lea, and graduated from Owatonna High School with the class of 1969 before attending Ramsey Junior College. In 1973, he married Mary Fleming at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna. The couple had three children and were later divorced. He served his country in the U.S. Army in Europe during the Vietnam era, obtaining the rank of sergeant and living in Germany for two years. After three years in the inactive reserve, Bill was honorably discharged in 1979. He made his living as an electronic technician for the Southern Nevada Water Authority, maintaining drinking water quality equipment. Bill was a strong supporter of labor unions. He especially enjoyed the outdoors, spending his time hunting, fishing, target shooting and camping with his family. He was an endowment level member of the NRA and enjoyed music, spending many years as a drummer in a several bands. Other favorite pastimes were reading, and watching and collecting movies. Bill will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his three children: Eileen (Robert) Campbell of Mankato, Minnesota, Heather (Tim) Stahl and Kevin Harris both of Austin, Minnesota; six grandchildren: Isabel, Colin, Laura, Shawn, Chloe, Kaiya, and his niece Kristy Lee Ariotti.

He was preceded in death by his parents Murray and Gail Harris; and his sister Nancy.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7, 2015, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin with Todd Portinga, AIM officiating. The Harris Family will greet friends from 12 to 1 p.m. on Monday prior to the service, at church. Military Honors by American Legion Post No. 91 and VFW Post No. 1216 will follow the service at the church. Interment will be in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Salvation Army in memory of Bill. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.