Mark Harrison

MARK HARRISON

Shellsburg

Mark Alan Harrison, 52, died Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, at Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha following a courageous battle with cancer. A

Celebration of Life service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, at the Vinton Presbyterian Church, co-officiated by the Rev. Jessica Crane-Munoz and Pastor Mike Ferguson. Memorial visitation will be from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, also at the church. Inurnment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Shellsburg.

Mark was born July 15, 1963, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Marion Earl and Joan Marie Michael Harrison. The family made their home in rural Vinton and Shellsburg, where Mark lived most of his life. He graduated from Shellsburg High School and Kirkwood Community College.

He met the love of his life, Deb McElrath, and the high school sweethearts were united in marriage on Sept. 22, 1984, at the Presbyterian Church in Vinton.

Mark worked for Farmers Mutual Telephone Co. for 27 years, the last 13 years as general manager. His job brought him great satisfaction and he made many friends in the industry over the years.

He was an avid fisherman and loved to spend time in the outdoors fishing, hunting and camping with family and friends. Mark also loved football and cheered for his beloved Green Bay Packers.

Mark is survived by his wife of 30 years, Deb, of Shellsburg; two sons, Mitchell (Jenna) Harrison of La Porte City (and to be born in December, grandson, Carter Alan) and Gordy Harrison of Shellsburg; one brother, Mike (Rose) Harrison of Cedar Rapids; three sisters, Chris (Glenn) Schanbacher of Atkins, Rita (Jim) Fix of Vinton and Mary (Scott) Hepker of Urbana; and his mother-in-law, Sharon McElrath of Vinton.

He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, Bob McElrath.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established to be distributed to several charities.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Mark and his family. Condolences may be left at www.vsrfh.com.