OBITUARY: Dorothy Basner Harris

Dorothy Basner Harris (Dottie), 90 years of age, passed away in Brillion, Wisconsin on June 30th, 2018.

Dorothy was born August 7th, 1929 in the Scandinavian neighborhood on the northwest side of Chicago, daughter of John and Gertrude Basner and sister to Willard.  It was there that she met the love of her life, Wendall Harris, whom she married in 1948 and to whom she remained married for 46 years until his death.

A graduate of Wheaton College, Dorothy was an elementary school teacher for over 20 years before leaving that profession to work with Wendall in Christmas tree farming, real estate development and other enterprises.  She was a natural entertainer, with a beautiful voice who was active in her church and who avidly enjoyed discussing politics.  Dorothy loved playing board games and drew a special delight from giving gifts.  Until the age of 83, she would swim half a mile every day, praying for a different one of her children, their spouses and her grandchildren with each lap.

Dorothy is survived by her four children and their spouses: Keith and Barb Harris, Jay and Sara Harris, Scott and Judy Harris and Jeff and Cheryl Harris Plitt, and also by 13 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.  A memorial celebration of her life will be held in early August in Wheaton, Illinois.

 The family has been blessed by the wonderful compassionate care provided to Dottie by the staff of Garrow Villa over the past 7 years.