Mark A. Harrison

SHELLSBURG – Mark Alan Harrison, 52, died Thursday, August 13, 2015, at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha following a courageous battle with cancer.
A Celebration of Life service will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 18, 2015, at the Vinton Presbyterian Church, co-officiated by Rev. Jessica Crane-Munoz and Pastor Mike Ferguson. Memorial visitation will be held from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, August 17, also at the church. Inurnment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Shellsburg.
Mark was born July 15, 1963, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Marion Earl and Joan Marie Michael Harrison. The family made their home in rural Vinton and Shellsburg, where Mark lived most of his life. He graduated from Shellsburg High School and Kirkwood Community College.
He met the love of his life, Deb McElrath, and the high school sweethearts were united in marriage on September 22, 1984, at the Presbyterian Church in Vinton, Iowa.
Mark worked for Farmers Mutual Telephone Company for 27 years, the last 13 years as General Manager. His job brought him great satisfaction and he made many friends in the industry over the years.
He was an avid fisherman and loved to spend time in the outdoors fishing, hunting and camping with family and friends. Mark also loved football and cheered for his beloved Green Bay Packers.
Mark is survived by his wife of 30 years, Deb, of Shellsburg; two sons, Mitchell (Jenna) Harrison of La Porte City (and, to be born in December, grandson, Carter Alan) and Gordy Harrison of Shellsburg; one brother, Mike (Rose) Harrison of Cedar Rapids; three sisters, Chris (Glenn) Schanbacher of Atkins; Rita (Jim) Fix of Vinton; and Mary (Scott) Hepker of Urbana; and his mother-in-law, Sharon McElrath, of Vinton.
He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, Bob McElrath.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established to be distributed to several charities.
Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Mark and his family. Condolences may be left at vsrfh.com.

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sk August 15, 2015, 2:48 pm It is with great sadness my sympathy and prayers to the entire harrison family. Mark will greatly be missed.
Sue klenk and family

RB August 16, 2015, 5:20 pm Dear family of Mark. My sincere sympathy in your loss of a wonderful person. Know that his friends will miss him also - what a pleasure and \"character\" all in one. How lucky to have known the Harrison family. Take care

JW August 16, 2015, 8:48 pm I have the opportunity to work with Mark over the last 15 years and he took a greenhorn and helped to development into the person I am today in the Telecom industry. I enjoyed every conversation I have had with Mark and he had the best sense of humor I have known. God has great man in heaven with him now.
Take are care my friend.
Sincerely,
Jerry Weber

JaDK August 17, 2015, 7:19 pm Deepest sympathy to the Harrison Family. Our prayers are with you.

G&BK August 17, 2015, 8:08 pm Our deepest sympathy to you Deb and to your family. He was a great man who was loved by all. We are sorry we will not be able to make the visitation or services, but we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Cherish the memories.

R&CG August 19, 2015, 10:23 am Dearest Family of Mark,
We want to send our most sincerest simpathy for your loss. We\'re so sorry to hear of your loss. Sorry that we were not home to attend the sevices,as we are on vacation in Western USA. Our prayors are with you and your family.
BTW, we are first cousins to Mark\'s Dad. Again, may God be with you and your\'s..
Very sincerely your\'s,
Ron & Carol Geiger

Obituaries : Mark A. Harrison

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