John D. Harris, 71, of Elm Grove Wisc., and Naples Fla., died Monday, Sept. 14, 2015. He was born in Bluffton on Jan. 12, 1944, and was formerly a resident of Indianapolis. He is survived by his wife Lilly Harris (nee Stjarnstrom) and sister Linda (Chuck) Sullivan.
Other survivors are daughters Beth Harris of Indianapolis, Kristena (Brad) Schotanus of Chicago, Britt (Steve) Gosenheimer of Milwaukee and son Scott Engstrom of Montana.
Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Chad, Emily, Joe, Drew, Allie, Frank, Anna, Vivian; nieces Kim (Joe) Kussmaul, Kelly (Jim) Kauffman and nephew Scott (Jodi) Sullivan and grand-nephews Garrett, Spencer, Parker, and Lance. He was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Nellie (Ridge).
John was a graduate of Ball State University and was recognized as a Hall of Fame inductee in the college of business in 2000. He began his career as a CPA for Geo S. Olive & Company in 1965. He became a partner in the firm at the age of 28, eventually becoming Managing Partner in 1989. At the end of his career he had worked for Olive over 30 years retiring as the CEO.
He was on several boards including 4H and Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce.
Visitation and a memorial service will be held on Monday, Sept. 21, at Chiles-Laman Funeral Home, , Bluffton. Visitation is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by a celebration of John’s life at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The John D. & Lilly S. Harris Accounting Scholarship #169 at Ball State University, 888-235-0058.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
