Fredrick Richard Harnisch age 85 of Menno passed away on Thursday August 25, 2011 at Oakview Terrace Freeman SD at 9:30 pm. Funeral services will be 10:30 am Tuesday August 30, 2011 at Grace Lutheran Church Menno with Ken Dalke officiating. Burial will be in the Menno Cemetery. Visitations will be from 4-8 pm, Monday August 29, at the Aisenbrey-Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel in Menno with family present from 6-8 pm. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers will be Jim Reinhart, John Carter, Bob Winter, Kevin Christensen, Wayne McMahon, and Harlan Neuharth.
Fred was born September 16, 1925 to Chris and Bertha (Frasch) Harnisch and was the third generation to farm the Homestead in Hutchinson County. Fred attended Freeman Academy and graduated from Freeman High School in 1943. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Aisenbrey of Menno, SD in 1948. Fred (Fritz) and Dorothy had one son, David who was the fourth generation to farm the Harnisch Homestead. David and his wife, Shirley were grateful for the time they were able to spend with Fred during his brave battle with lymphoma. Fred and Dorothy would have celebrated their 63rd Wedding Anniversary on the 4th of July but Dorothy passed away suddenly on June 27th of this year.
When friends speak of Fred they often recall how meticulous he was with the care of his machinery. One person commented that even his manure spreader would be spotless. He said Freddie may not have time for supper but always took time to carefully clean his equipment. Fred took excellent care of his animals and regarded his dogs as good and faithful friends. He often commented that the hay meadow was his favorite place on the farm because it was so peaceful.
After retiring Fred and Dorothy made their home in Menno in the house his parents built. They enjoyed their visits with numerous friends and their kind and thoughtful neighbors.
Those who will cherish his memory are his son, David and his wife Shirley of Sioux Falls, SD; one sister Lorine Peskey of Helena, MT; sister-in-law Darlene Aisenbrey of Menno; one granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews.
Fred was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, a sister Alvera McGraw and husband John, brother in law Walt Peskey, and brother-in-law Ellis Aisenbrey, brother in law and sister in law LeJuene and Marion Wildermuth and niece, Debbie Talmage.
We are grateful to the wonderful doctors, nurses, and staff of Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, Menno Olivet Care Center and Freeman Regional Health Services especially Dr. Ken Kirton and the wonderful nurses and staff at Oakview Terrace in Freeman.
