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.
Condolences
The family of Thomas J. Harris has received the following condolences.
Becky, Katy, Lora, Natalie,
You were loved so deeply by a great man. He was so proud of all of you. He always had a little grin, and a word of cheer for everyone. We’ve known him through many milestones in life. He embraced every step boldly and proudly. Our hearts ache for you! He certainly left a legacy.
Many prayers and blessings,
Julie and Brad Longueville
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Tom Harris - a truly great man whose presence lit up every room he entered. Tom was not only a person of remarkable character and strength, but someone who made every interaction personal, meaningful, and full of warmth. His positivity, energy, and genuine care for others touched the lives of so many.
To know Tom was to respect him, and to be around him was to be lifted by his spirit. He had a rare gift for making people feel seen, heard, and valued. His loss leaves a hole in our hearts, and he will be profoundly missed by everyone who had the honor of knowing him.
To Becky and the entire Harris family - Please accept our deepest condolences. We hope you can find comfort in the incredible legacy Tom leaves behind and in the countless lives he enriched.
With sympathy and love,
Tommy and Tracy McGhee
It is with a heavy heart that I send this.
I was hired by Tom 38 years ago for McNeilus and have know him as my boss for 11 years. He was I my option not just a boss but a good friend. He always went the extra mile. One occasion was when my son died and Tom showed at the funeral home. That was in Woodstock Canada on a Friday night.
Tom may God bless you and your family and know that there is a place in our heart just ment for you forever
the Lord Bless and keep you in his hands
gerry
Our deepest condolences and humble prayers. May the almighty give Becky and the Harris family all the courage and the strength to handle this great loss. Tom was an amazing person, great mentor and the very best friend. He will be missed but always remembered. In our thoughts and prayers forever. Tara Family.
Becky, Katie, Lora, Natalie and extended family...
So often in life, there are more questions than answers and we sit quietly with our thoughts and wonder what we can say to heal the hurt.
That's when we cling to faith...to family...and to friends who hold us close, lift us up and help us put one foot in front of the other when morning comes.
Know that I hold you all in my heart and encourage you to continue to share your memories. That laughter, love and little boy charm your husband and father shared with all of us will be remembered and deeply missed. You were his world...know that.
Hugs & Love,
PJ
I am so saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. Please know that I am thinking of you all with love and friendship. How blessed I am to have known Tom. Sending my most sincere sympathy. Love - Rita
Becky and family -
At our Pacelli 50th class reunion, news of Tom's passing that very day took our breath away. Please know that we honored him and will always remember him for his unbelievable zest for life. My heart aches for you - but I'm glad you have each other and your faith to lean on to continue to get through such difficult days. And it quickly became evident to me how many classmates had remained close to Tom and his beloved family over the years.
Tom truly lived a life to celebrate.
Dan Rockers
To the Family of Tom Harris,
I met Tom almost 30 years ago. He was the same guy every time I saw him first as a customer, and then as a coworker: friendly, outgoing, and full of life. I am very grateful for the friendship we had. Tom will be greatly missed!
Whenever Tom talked about his family, he was full of joy. The photos he shared, and the stories he told always made me smile. It was quite evident Tom's family meant everything to him.
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. My heart goes out to all of you.
Sincerely,
Vic
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