"Beth and Steve, Mr. Harig what a wonderful man. He was a blessing to all who knew him, always enjoyed life. Remember to think of him with a smile because we know he is smiling to. With all our love and prayers. Julie and Kenney Morris"
In loving memory of
Eugene Harig
October 26, 1932 - March 22, 2016
Gene Harig was born on Oct. 26, 1932, in Algona, IA, son of Joseph and Helen(McMahon) Harig. He grew up in Algona and attended St. Cecelia Catholic School. He was united in marriage to Janice Walters on July 14, 1953 at St. Michael's Church in Whittemore.
Gene was a Sergeant in the Army Reserves serving during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in Germany. He graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1955. He moved to Newton, Iowa where he worked for Maytag as a salesman. They later moved to Carmel, IN and began his 35 year career with CNA Insurance later moving to Chicago, IL, Columbus, OH, New Orleans, LA, and Naperville, IL before moving back to Whittemore upon his retirement in 1995.
Gene made friends wherever he and his family moved, he never knew a stranger. He was an honorable person who led by example, and had a sense of humor which stuck with him even when times were hardest. Gene's many loves included fishing, Chicago sports teams, the Ohio State Buckeyes, westerns, a good vodka tonic paired with jelly beans, and traveling with his beloved wife. His greatest love, however, was the love he had for his family and friends.
Gene Harig died on March 22, 2016 at the age of 83 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, LA.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janice: five children, Steve(Beth)Harig of Covington, LA; Nancy Harig of River Ridge, LA: Pam(Jack)Morgan of Columbus, OH; Mark Harig of Leland, IL; and Tom Harig of Marrero, LA; 7 grandchildren; Jennifer(Richard) Baudin: Joseph(Misty)Harig; Rachelle (Frank) Eiselen; Samantha Thom; Kiley Morgan; Reid Morgan; and Maggie Harig; 10 great-grandchildren; Josh and Jasmine Harig; Joseph and Justin Newberry; Hannah and Hayden Eiselen; Lane Baudin; Trey and Trenton Colon; and Trinity Malone; brother-in-law, Jack Yeager and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Tom Gearty; his sister, Patty Yeager; his brother, David Harig; and two infant children, Joseph and Joan.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice or Americare Hospice Northshore 303 W 21st St. Covington, LA 70433 who were a comfort to Gene and his family.
Tributes
"Gene will always be in our hearts._Jack Yeager and Family"
"Gene you are a true friend..... so many great times. May you rest in peace..."
"So sorry Harig family to hear of this loss of Gene! He was such a wonderful man and we will surely miss his funny jokes when he came over with Jan to the salon. Lots of prayers and love to comfort you all during this very hard time! Sincerely, Carla Skow and Inspira Salon Girls!!!"
"I am saddened to hear this news of the loss of Gene. I love both Gene and Jan so very much...they were not only my clients but I considered them dear friends. Gene would bring me jokes he printed out on his computer and we would all laugh and carry on. Jan and family, I will keep you in my prayers in the difficult days ahead. Please know I love you lots! "