Former Linn County Supervisor John Harris, a true ‘public servant,’ dies at age 70

CEDAR RAPIDS — Former Linn County Supervisor John Harris — described as the ultimate “public servant” who was kind to all and true to his word — died Tuesday at age 70 from cancer.

Harris, of Ely, was elected as a Republican to the board in November 2010, serving from January 2011 through December 2018, when the board transitioned from five to three members.

Supervisor Ben Rogers said in a statement that he and his board colleagues, past and present, send their condolences to Harris’ loved ones.

“We have lost a great man who was cherished, loved and respected by many,” Rogers said. “John was a dedicated public servant, a man of great faith and a wonderful human being.

“I am honored to have served alongside John on the Board of Supervisors, and I cherish those days. John will be greatly missed by his family, his peers and all of us here at Linn County.”

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As a county supervisor, Harris’ priorities included improving the secondary road system, promoting business growth in Linn County and keeping taxes low, according to a news release.

“It brought him great joy to listen to connect with his constituents, as well as participate in endless small town community parades,” according to his obituary.

Leadership style

But it was his kindness and leadership style of compassion, honesty, integrity and trust that Linn County officials said they’ll remember most.

“John governed with as much altruism and as little self-interest as any elected official I've ever seen,” said Darrin Gage, the county director of policy and administration. “He grounded himself in the corporal acts of mercy and referred to them often when making decisions as a Linn County supervisor. I couldn't admire him any more and will miss him dearly.”

County Treasurer Brent Oleson originally recruited Harris to run for the board. Harris, then the mayor of Palo, successfully ran and won against incumbent Jim Houser.

“He was just a very popular mayor,” Oleson said. “Everybody loved John Harris. … He was just a phenomenal human being. He is one of the top people I ever knew.”

Harris and his wife, Phyllis, of 43 years, had four daughters and 15 grandchildren. He was devoted to them and devoted in the same way as a public servant, Oleson said.

“If he stopped you and you could name the core values or the mission statement of Linn County, he’d give you $10,” Oleson said.

“He was the kind of person that any kind of employee — from the person who swept the halls to the county engineer or whoever — could go and talk to him about life or anything in the organization. He was very trusted. People trusted him, people admired him. He was soft-spoken and fatherly.”

After redistricting, and after Oleson switched parties to be a Democrat, Oleson ended up running against Harris in 2018. That was a hard campaign, Oleson said, but the two remained friends.

“There’s nothing negative I can say about this guy,” Oleson said. “… It was a horrible way to campaign because you’re running against someone you really admire.”

Now as treasurer, Oleson manages an office of 38 people and said he turns to Harris’ lessons about being personal, patient, listening to others and following through on commitments.

Oleson said Harris took the time to listen to all and treated any matter for any constituent or employee as important. He did his homework, always came prepared and would do anything for anyone, Oleson said.

“He’ll always be an example here of the right way to serve,” Oleson said. “He didn’t run for any personal (reason) to promote himself. When you hear the words ‘public servant’ … he embodies ‘servant.’ ”

Saturday service

Harris was raised in Cedar Rapids and graduated from LaSalle High School, according to his obituary. He worked at Rockwell Collins for 39 years.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 1350 Lyndhurst Dr., Hiawatha. A vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the church, where friends can visit the family from 4 to 7 p.m. The family also will be at the church an hour before the service Saturday.

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