Thomas J. Harris
Wednesday, July 10, 1957
Date of Death:
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Age:
68 years old
Visitation
Date: Tuesday September 02, 2025
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Wednesday September 03, 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Celebration of Life
Date: Wednesday September 03, 2025
Time: 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Wednesday, July 10, 1957
Date of Death:
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Age:
68 years old
Wednesday, July 10, 1957
Date of Death:
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Age:
68 years old
Thomas J. Harris
Thomas J. Harris- Lake City
Thomas J. Harris, 68, of Lake City, MN, passed away Saturday, August 23 after battling pancreatic cancer while surrounded by his loving family at home.
Tom was born July 10, 1957, in Austin, MN to Harold and Mildred (Thompson) Harris. He attended Catholic School and graduated from Pacelli High School in 1975. He then trained at the vocational school for auto mechanics leading into his first job at Honeywell. On December 17, 1977, he married his high school sweetheart, Rebecca Arnold, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Austin, MN. Their life took them to many places until they settled in Dodge Center, MN in November of 1979, where he had a distinguished career at McNeilus Companies. After 38 years, Tom briefly retired in 2018, embarking on a short-lived three-month hiatus before transitioning to a consulting role then became VP of development for vocational chassis with Auto Car Truck. He retired two more times after that, with his final retirement coming in December 2021, when he and Becky moved full time to their lake home in Lake City.
Tom lived a life full of adventure and passion. He was a devoted husband to Becky, loving father to his daughters, adoring “Papa” to his grandchildren, and cherished friend to so many. Known for his zest for life, Tom embraced every opportunity for excitement, whether it was spending summers on the water, cruising on his Harley or taking his family on annual ski trips out West. His love for the outdoors extended to snowmobiling, motocross, and dirt biking, where he could often be found racing through rugged terrain with a wide grin on his face. Tom was also a true hot rod enthusiast, spending countless hours in his shop, working on his 32’ Harley Boy and projects that reflected his love for cars.
Tom’s legacy isn’t just in the adventures he had – it’s in the way he made each one feel like a story worth telling. He had a joke for every occasion, a joyful spirit, and an undeniable ability to make everyone feel like the most important person in the world; and that’s what we’ll miss most. He lived like he drove – full throttle, no regrets. And we’ll carry that with us, always.
He is survived by his wife, Becky, his daughters Katy (Martijn) Bos of Rochester, MN, Lora (Brandon) Smith of Sauk Rapids, MN, Natalie (Colleen Powers 3.5) Harris of Minneapolis, MN; 5 grandchildren, Ryan Anderson, Jax Anderson, Christian Bos, Addie Smith, and Claire Smith. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Mildred Harris, oldest brother Robert Harris, and nephew Dave Harris.
Tom’s Celebration of Life will be at 11am on Wednesday, September 3rd in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, MN. Visitation will be held from 4pm to 7pm on Tuesday, September 2nd in the River Park Chapel and one hour prior to the Celebration of Life on September 3rd. In true Tom Harris fashion, we would love for you to celebrate his spirit by riding in on a Harley or Hot-Rod if you are able.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Ronald McDonald House Midwest Charities in Rochester, Minnesota, https://www.rmhcmidwestmwi.org/donate, an organization near and dear to both Tom and Becky.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
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Condolences
The family of Thomas J. Harris has received the following condolences.
Becky and Family- Sending thoughts and prayers to all of you during this difficult time. I enjoyed working with Tom and your family over the years. May those special memories help to bring you comfort and peace.
Thinking of you all during this difficult time. I always thought Natalie had the coolest dad! I pray you all cherish those fun memories and hold each other tight.
Our condolences to Becky and all of Tom Harris Family! Worked for McNeilus for 40 years and had a special friendship with Tom over those many years, what a pleasure to have know him and great memories of working with Tom for most of those 40 years. Tom had a way of making you feel special no matter if you were an executive or someone turning wrenches in the shop, he will be remembered fondly by all who knew him, With Love and Sympathy, Wes, Loni and Jorgan Austin.
Sending so much love to the whole Harris clan. While we never met your dad, Nat, you became family within minutes of coming into our life. It is a rare human being who can inspire such deep connection and love so naturally, and no doubt your contagious heart is a result of being so well loved by your parents. We are forever grateful to your father for loving you so well. Please know we are holding you all close in our hearts.
Love, Auntie MC and Uncle Jay
To Becky, Katy, Lora, Natalie,
Thinking of you all as you celebrate Tom's celebration of life. I went to HS with Tom at Pacelli and always knew him as a great guy who didn't have a mean bone in his body.
I also know how much you four meant to him in his life. What a great guy he was.
Becky and family,
Our hearts and prayers are with all of you. Can’t help but think of Tom without recalling his great smile. While cut too short, his was a life well lived.
My condolences to you, Natalie, and the Harris family for this significant loss. I pray God's presence, mercy, and grace during this time of mourning and reflection.
We are heartbroken for the loss of such a beautiful person and friend. He had a way of making everything more exciting- especially when it came to cars and his dream of some day owning his uncle Clair Cotter's race car. We will always miss him. Sending strength and love, Gary and Sharon Kennebeck
Tom was simply a good man. I enjoyed spending time with him at Industry events and visits to Rochester for several years to talk about innovation on Mixers. All my best to his family with prayers for strength and healing. Tom will be missed!
On behalf of the Truck Mixer Manufacturers Bureau, we are deeply saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. He was widely respected and genuinely admired by all who had the privilege of working with him throughout his long and distinguished career. Tom’s warmth, kindness, deep industry knowledge, and friendship will be sorely missed.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Harris family during this difficult time.
Truly sad to hear of Tom’s passing! Tom was such a great leader and friend to all - he will be sorely missed!
Our condolences to the entire Harris family.
So glad "Harry"connected with me in his last months. A special friend in our high school days before I moved west and lost touch.
As Adam said, hope he and Bush having some new good times. 😁 Bless you all! 🙏
Natalie and Family,
We are so very sorry for the loss of your dad. He was so sweet and I'm glad we had the chance to meet him.
Sending so much love,
Alice and Freddie
I went to high school with Tom. A very friendly and funny guy. I was so sad to hear about this loss. Tom was one of the good guys. God Bless you Tom.
Becky and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing way too soon. Cancer has touched so many families. Our heart is breaking for you. Tom was always quite the guy! May his memory live on! Hugs and Prayers!
Susie Paulson
Sending so much love and warm thoughts of support to hold you Becky and family. May it help until you’re together and surrounded by all who loved and appreciated Tom. What a loss! Tom’s brightness & spirit in life cannot be completely diminished by his death, even though you will achingly miss his physical presence…
Prayers to you all.
in deepest sympathy,
Terry Foley T.
So sorry for your loss. My condolences to family. Harry was one of a kind! You and Bush stay out of trouble up there.
Becky and Family so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was a great guy. Our sympathy and prayers to you and your family. I know he physically wasn't at our 50th reunion. But his presence was felt.
My heart goes out to you and your family Becky...may your days be filled with happy memories, laughter and joy of all things Tom!
Condolences to all, Brian
God Walks With Us Through The Hard Times In Our Lives.
Ann & I send our Deepest Sympathy and Prayers to the Harris Family at this extremely difficult time in your Lives...
May You find Comfort knowing Tom is now in God's Loving Arms...
Tom is now Resting In The Arms Of The Lord In Total Exalation and "FREE" of any Pain & Suffering.
Keep Your Faith In The Lord...
As "BEST" Friends growing-up in Austin, Tom was such a "BIG" part of my Life. Thank You for your Friendship...
Until we need again, "It's Full Throttle and Full Speed Ahead" My Friend...
Sincerely,
Jerry & Ann Sack