Obituary: Norman E. Harris

TAPIOLA

Norman E. Harris, 79, of Tapiola and formerly of Painesdale, died Sunday, July 1, 2018, at the Omega House following a lengthy illness.

He was born December 17, 1938, in Hancock, to Gordon and Mabel (Dodge) Harris. Norman was raised by his mother, Mabel, and step-father, Harold Honkavaara, who were married May 3, 1952. He attended the Jeffers High School in Painesdale.

Norman was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving from 1956 to 1959.

He was employed at the White Pine Copper Mine for 41 years, first underground and later in the refinery, retiring in 2000.

Norman enjoyed touring around the country. He loved to ride around, stopping to hand out dog biscuits to family pets. His joy in life was spending time with his grandchildren.

Norman is survived by his children, Connie (Mike) Carnes of Baltimore, Md.,

David (Karen) Harris of Tapiola, twins, Amy Divine of Madison, Miss., and Becky (John) Desens of Aberdeen, S.D.; 12 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; one brother, Lawrence Harris of the Suo District; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Norman was preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Mabel and Harold Honkavaara; a granddaughter, Cami Harris; brother, Roger Harris; sister-in-law, Nancy Harris; and special friend, Lillian Nevanpera.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 12, 2018, at the Mountain View Mortuary of South Range, with Licensed Lay Minister, Kelly Ylitalo to officiate. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service on Thursday in the mortuary. Interment will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Houghton with military rites to be conducted by the Copper Country Veteran’s Association. Arrangements are being handled by Antila Funeral Service, Inc. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at antilafuneral.com.