IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Lelland "Lee"

Lelland "Lee" Harris Profile Photo

Harris

January 10, 1923 – January 2, 2016

Obituary

Lelland Leroy "Lee" Harris, Sr., 92, left his earthly body to join the Lord on Saturday, January 2, 2016. Born January 10, 1923 in Cunningham, Kansas; he was the son of Glenn and Daisy Belle (Yarberry) Harris. He married his love, and best friend that he would spend the rest of his life with, Betty Jean Kalk on April 7, 1956 in Rochelle, IL. Lee attended school in Cunningham, Kansas where he was active in sports, especially baseball. He left high school to serve his country, his proudest accomplishment, in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1942-1945. He was stationed and received training at Great Lakes Naval Base. He trained war dogs while stationed in Nebraska. He served overseas on a cargo/troop transport, the USS Aquarious AKA 16 ship. After his service to his country, Lee completed his GED and worked as a Rochelle Policeman from 1955- 1959. He then was employed by Sullivan's Clothing Store in Rochelle until 1978. He was next employed by Teetor Castings in DeKalb, IL until 1981 taking his next employment with the Rochelle Township High School from June of 1982 until retiring in December 1990. As Lee thrived on helping and contributing to others, during his "retirement" he was employed by the Rochelle Park District. He was dedicated to his community, serving in numerous contributory roles including: Secretary of the Rochelle Bowling League, Secretary of the Rochelle Little League (where he received his broadcaster's license and broadcasted the first Little League and Jr. Tackle games over WRHL), coaching girls' softball and basketball teams, and he was a member of the Ogle County Board for over 11 years. Additionally, he was a member and president of the Hub City Square Dancers, a member of the Rochelle Police and Fire Commission, Chairman of the Sheriff's Merit Committee, served in the roles of secretary, vice president, and president of the Golden K Club, a lifetime member of the Rochelle VFW, and deacon and elder of the Frist Presbyterian Church of Rochelle, where as a member he also sang in the choir for a number of years. He traveled Northern Illinois and parts of Wisconsin singing with a gospel quartet. He also delivered meals on wheels, volunteered at the food pantry, and served on the board at Lincoln Manor. He volunteered his time at the Focus House where he was named Volunteer of the Year. Informally, he was always willing to lend a hand or provide a ride for those in need. He enjoyed cheering on the Chicago Bears, Chicago White Sox, and Kansas Jayhawks. Above all, Lee loved his family. Surviving are his wife, Betty of Rochelle; precious daughter, Lynnette Stover of Rochelle; caring sons Mark Harris, Sr. of Rochelle, and Lelland Harris, Jr. of Albuquerque, NM; beloved grandchildren, Amanda (Brad) Hale of Rochelle, Lydia Stover (Robert McKenna) of Rochelle, Cassandra Harris of Weshkaro, WI, Mark Harris, Jr. of Steven's Point, WI, Crystal (Adam) Hearn of Glen Ellyn, IL, and Tony Harris, Butch Harris, Randy Harris and Wendy Legarreta all of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and adored great-grandchildren Cecillia Stover & Cody Stover-Cullum, Parker & Payton Hale, Angelina & Joslyn Hearn, Anthony Jr., Miranda, Randy Jr., Brandon, Layla, Christopher, Olivia, Bailey & LeeAnn Harris; brother Glenn Harris, Jr. of Brookings, OR, and sister Zona Pogue of Cunningham, KS; and his special little dog 'Holly'. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Eunice Cox. His family would also like to thank Ginger Martinez and Dr. Nancy Williams for the loving care they have provided to both Lee and Betty and their family. Thank you also to the staff at Rosewood Care Center in Rockford, IL for their recent assistance in caring for Lee and his family. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 11 from 3-7 p.m. at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home in Rochelle. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 12 at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Rochelle followed by Military Services provided by the Eastern-Lee Ogle Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established. Visit www.ungerhorner.com for online guest book.
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Services

Visitation

Calendar
January
11

Unger-Horner Funeral Home Rochelle

400 North 6th Street, Rochelle, IL 61068

3:00 - 7:00 pm

Funeral Service

Calendar
January
12

First Presbyterian Church

1100 Calvin Road, Rochelle, IL 61068

Starts at 11:00 am

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