01/29/2013
Willis Marion Harsin age 88 of Knoxville passed away at his home on Tuesday morning,
January 29, 2013.
Willis, the sixth child of six children, was born to Gilbert Edward “G.E.” and Irena
Arvilla (Smith) Harsin on November 10, 1924, at Walnut Valley, of the Clay Township
of Marion County, Iowa. When Willis was age 4, the family moved from Walnut Valley
to Grandpa Doug’s place near Durham. Willis lived and farmed on his grandfather’s
farm most of his life, until retiring from farming and moving to Knoxville in 1989.
Willis’ early years were devoted to his family and music.
He sang with the family“Harsin Four Musical Group”, which performed at numerous events in Iowa from 1924
to 1940. He continued to enjoy singing his beautiful tenor voice for the rest of his
life.
Willis began school at the age of four, at McMillan Country School. He attended
high school in Knoxville and graduated in 1943.
Willis married Maxine Klootwyk on August 23, 1953, at the Presbyterian Church of
Knoxville. They shared over 59 years of marriage together and were blessed with
three children: Doug, Clay, and Nancy. Willis and Maxine lived on the family farm
until 1989. Together they cherished their farm, raising registered Belgium Draft
Horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs.
Willis was also active in the N.F.O., striving to obtain a fair price for livestock.
After moving to Knoxville, he was employed at the V.A. Hospital, driving veterans
to their medical appointments.
Willis is survived by his wife of 59 years, Maxine (Klootwyk) Harsin of Knoxville;
and their son, Doug Harsin, and his wife Nancy of rural Knoxville. Willis is also
survived by eight grandchildren: Heather (Jay) Leshen, Heidi (Tyson) Landsgard,
Jake (Crystal) Harsin, Bob (Jami) Harsin, Clay Harsin, Sarah (Michael) Gerber, Jonathan
Sinnard and Levi Sinnard; and 13 great-grandchildren: Mariah, Tony, Rylee, Ben,
Lillian, Brinley, Emerie Lynn, Gracey, Emma, Ella, Ethan, Tristan, and Isabell; sister-in-law,
Shirley (Jay) Harsin; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded by his parents; his son Clay Harsin; his daughter Nancy Sinnard;
three sisters: Pauline (Charles) Cook, Helen (Elton) Loynachan, and Amy Jeanne (Merwin)
Hollingshead; and two brothers: Donald (Jennie) Harsin and JD Harsin.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, February 1, 2013, at the
Winfield Funeral Home of Knoxville with Rev. Brent Hanna officiating. Burial will
follow services at Breckenridge Cemetery in rural Knoxville.
Visitation for Willis will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday. January 31st, at the Winfield Funeral Home, with Willis’ family present from 5:00
p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday evening.
A memorial in honor of Willis will be established by the family at a later date.
Condolences may be sent to www.winfieldfh.com. Arrangements are being handled by
the Winfield Funeral Home of Knoxville.