Rodger Harsha

RODGER DEAN HARSHA August 24, 1946 - January 19, 2015 Rodger Dean Harsha, age 68, a life long Park Rapids, MN area resident, peacefully passed into eternal life surrounded by his family in the comfort of his home overlooking Ingraham Lake on Monday evening, January 19, 2015. Rodger was born on August 24, 1946 in Park Rapids to Clifford and Clara (Beck) Harsha. It was in Park Rapids that he attended public school, graduating from Park Rapids Area High School with the infamous class of 1964. After graduating, Rodger enlisted in the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country in Viet Nam. On February 24, 1968, Rodger was united in marriage to Judy Reko-Behrens at the Riverside United Methodist Church in Park Rapids. This union was blessed with two sons: Eric Stewart and John Rodger and a daughter, Sarah Elizabeth who died at just 19 days of age. He received his honorable discharge in December of 1969 and returned home to Park Rapids where he worked for his dad driving semi truck in the family moving business. He also worked for his father-in-law, Jesse Reko in his plumbing and heating business. In 1975, Rodger began working as a deputy for the Hubbard County Sheriff's Department for a period of five years. He then became a certified union steamfitter and worked in the profession until 1985. Rodger then began working as a civilian jet technician for the Happy Hooligans with the North Dakota Air National Guard in a career that spanned over 20 years until his retirement in 2005. Roger enjoyed his retirement for a period of about two weeks, until boredom sent him looking for another job. He gained employment working road construction with the Cumber Construction Company. He would often say "The only difference between the men and the boys is the size of their toys in the sandbox". He loved working for Dean and Laurie Cumbers and never felt his job was work. Rodger was an active member of the Northern Knights Car Club and had just served as it's President. He was a member of the Guy L. McDermeit VFW Post in Menahga and had served as it's Chaplain for many years. He was also a member of the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212 in Park Rapids. Rodger loved the outdoors. One of his annual highlights was deer hunting season; in fact, even in weak health this fall he bagged a nice 8 point buck. He was talented at finding old fixer-upper cars and trucks, getting them running good and then driving them for thousands of miles on his daily trips to Fargo. Above all, Rodger will be remembered as a man who lived life enthusiastically and made everyone he met his friend. He devoted his life to his family who he loved with all his heart. His family takes comfort in the knowledge that Rodger is in heaven cuddling his baby girl, Sarah. Rodger is lovingly remembered by his soulmate, best friend and wife, Judy who has spent the last 47 years with him; his sons: Eric (Angie) Behrens of Albert Lea, MN, John (Kimberly) Harsha of Austin, MN; 10 dearly loved grandchildren; two precious great grandchildren; seven siblings: William (Audrey) Harsha of Park Rapids, Richard Harsha of Park Rapids, Verna Jean Craig of Grand Rapids, Robert (Mary) Harsha of Park Rapids, Judy (Dick) Fieldsend of Park Rapids, Karol Jokela of Park Rapids and Lori Cusey of Park Rapids; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his baby daughter, his parents; one brother Myron and a sister, Barbara. A celebration of his life will be held from 10 AM to 4 PM at the home of his grandson, Joe Behrens, 22414 Co. Rd. 4 for more information feel free to call Joe at 218-252-3752 or his son, John at 507-226-6057. A Picnic will be held in Rodger's honor on June 27, 2015 at the home of his sister, Lori Cusey. Friends are invited to arrive anytime after 11 AM. A Graveside Service and Interment is scheduled for 2:00 PM at Greenwood Cemetery, Park Rapids, MN following the picnic. To view his on line video or to leave on line condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com