Ray E. Harris

Ray Edwin Harris, 81, of Gilmore City, IA, died Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Jackson Ridge Healthcare Center in Maquoketa, IA. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family. Arrangements are with Historic Bruce Funeral Home of Fort Dodge. 

Ray was born December 17, 1944, in Clarion, IA, the son of John Henry and Clara (Shaw) Harris. He attended Clarion schools. Ray was united in marriage to Donna Jean Olson. He worked for Chicago Northwestern Railroad for nearly 38 years before his retirement in 2003. Ray enjoyed fishing, tinkering, checkers, watching sports, and working on home projects including building an addition to his home and garage. He had a green thumb and loved gardening. He also loved animals.

Ray is survived by his wife: Donna Jean Harris of Gilmore City; 2 children: Lesa Hiebert and husband Dave and Tammy Dawson and husband Blaine; 6 grandchildren: September Harris, Scott Loving, Jon Weber, Cassy George, Cordairo Hansen and Ciera Williams; 18 great grandchildren; and 3 great great grandchildren. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 siblings: Dean (Glenda) Harris, Caroline (Kenny) Ammerman and Jane (Lindsey) Morris; and nephew: Michael Morris.