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In Memory

Gerald Harr - Class Of 1951

Gerald William Harr joined his heavenly Father Saturday, March 11, 2017. Jerry was born on July 4, 1933 in McCook, Nebraska. He attended Creighton and then graduated Notre Dame in 1956. He was commissioned as an officer in the Air Force and started pilot training. After his discharge, he returned to Nebraska to study business at University of Nebraska before returning to Indiana in 1960 after he married his wife Sonja.

Jerry worked at Delco Remy in Anderson, Indiana for 38 years on heavy duty cranking systems. As part of GM, he developed systems on cars, buses, trains and large equipment. He was a proud member of the EnJOYneers, a social club that organized retirement parties, among other things. One, in particular, had a circus theme, so Jerry took on the task of getting 10 lbs. of elephant dung for a gift.

His great loves were Notre Dame football, his wife and family, and the church, in that order. He also enjoyed jazz, a perfectly cooked steak, a well-told joke, bridge and a Manhattan to end the day.

Jerry led by example to help others. He has volunteered at his church regularly since childhood. He devoted extensive hours at St. Mary's School in Anderson, Indiana running the school's bus association, doing everything from raising funds to managing bus operations. It was also important to him to check in on neighbors and friends that were elderly or infirm. As he grew older and his body weaker he appreciated the friends that watched over him and Sonja.

He is survived by his wife Sonja Harr, his children Michael Harr (Rufie), Andrew Harr (Carmel), Tracy Barnes (Todd), Francine Burge (Peter), and Susan Johnson (Jason); and his grandchildren Emma and Katja Barnes, Esperanza and Ariana Harr, Margaret and Denis Harr and Jake Johnson.

As Jerry was most German and practical, his family requests in lieu of flowers that his spirit of kindness keep moving forward. Take time soon to help someone with a shoveled sidewalk, raked leaves or a simple phone call. Gifts can also be made to Jerry’s favorite charity Holy Family Shelter (archindy.org).

A Rite of Christian Burial is planned for 11:00 am on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at Saint Pius X, 7200 Sarto Drive, Indianapolis, with visitation starting at 10:00am until the time of mass. Arrangements by Legacy Cremation & Funeral Services - Lawrence.

“Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.”

Isaiah 58:10 NLT