Donald J. Harr

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Oct. 8, 1927 - April 20, 2009

Donald J. Harr, 81, died Monday, April 20, 2009, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook.

Don was an active businessman and community leader in McCook for many years. He served on the McCook City Council, McCook Chamber of Commerce, Community Hospital Board of Directors and McCook National Bank Board of Directors.

He was devoted to his family and church. As a parishioner of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Don served on the Board of Trustees and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Don was also active in the McCook Elks Lodge and the Independent Insurance Agents of Nebraska.

Don was born Oct. 8, 1927, to Ray W. and Argyle F. (Rector) Harr in McCook. He graduated from McCook High School in 1945, McCook Junior College in 1947 and Creighton University in 1949. Following college graduation, he served with the U.S. Army in the Korean War from 1950-52.

He married Margaret Mary Montgomery in Omaha on Nov. 22, 1952. That same year, Don joined his brother V. James Harr at Harr Insurance Agency, a company founded in 1882 by their grandfather.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his brother, V. James Harr, a grandson, John Michael Harr and a granddaughter, Monica Marie Harr.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years; three sons, Greg Harr and wife, Sue of Omaha, Steve Rapitz-Harr and wife, Jenny of St, Cloud, Minn., and Chris Harr and wife, Amy of Superior, Colo.; three daughters, Peg Brooks and husband, Bryant of McCook, Mary Kay Cochran and husband, Steve of McCook and Betsy Stanley and husband, Bruce of Nebraska City; 22 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Fr. Richard Harr, OMI of Tewksbury, Mass., and Jerry Harr and wife, Sonia of Carmel, Ind.; sister-in-law, Dorothy Burns of McCook; and numerous nieces, nephews, and longtime friend, Yvonne West.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 22, from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., with a Rosary at 7 p.m., at Herrman Funeral Home in McCook.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in McCook, Thursday, April 23, 2009, at 10:30 a.m., with Fr. Gary Brethour officiating. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials can be given in his name to McCook Community Foundation, Community Hospital, Hillcrest Nursing Home or St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

Herrmann Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.