Clarence “Harry” Bernard Harriman, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems – St. Mary’s Campus in Rochester, MN. A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025, with a funeral service immediately following at 4:00 p.m at Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells, MN. Wells Area Color Guard will be preforming Military Honors.
Clarence was born to Andrew and Clara (Kaupa) Harriman on May 29, 1943. After graduating from Waterville High School in 1961, Clarence enlisted in the United States Air Force. After his return home he was united in marriage to Geraldine Grubish. Their union lasted until her passing in 1972. On December 28, 1974, Clarence married Bertha “Bert” Johnson. They made their home in Shieldsville, MN, where they raised their two children, Eric and Julie. In their early years of marriage, Harry and Bert enjoyed many snowmobile trips, fishing adventures and nights out with friends and family. Clarence was always the life of the party and could weave a tale to get anyone laughing or scoffing. Clarence worked at McQuay’s International for 36 years up until the day of his stroke on Election Day, November 5, 2002. He held multiple offices at his local union, Sheet Metal Workers Local 480. Clarence was a hard worker and excellent provider for his family. In addition to his full-time job, he was the groundskeeper for his parish, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Clarence held many office titles in the American Legion Post 43 in Faribault, MN, for 50+ years and was also a member of the Color Guard.
Clarence will be remembered by his wife of 50 years, Bertha, children Eric Harriman and Julie (Mike) Bruegger along with his three grandchildren Alivia, Eliot and Oliver Bruegger. Siblings Mary Jane Madigan of Madison Lake, MN, and Greg (Bonnie) Harriman of Waterville, MN. Sister-in-law Darline (Kenny) Kranda of Owatonna, MN, and brother-in-law Arnie (Kathy) Johnson of Outing, MN along with many nieces, nephews, friends and family.
Clarence was preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Clara; sister Arlene Walsh, sisters and brothers-in-law Delores and Don Gregor, Bernice and Steve Steele, Margie and Delbert Wegner; brother and sister-in-law Arnold Harriman and Dee Appel. Brother-in-law John Madigan. Father and mother-in-law Clifford Sr and Lillian (Evens) Johnson; Brother and sister-in-law Clifford Jr and Karen Johnson. Nephews Larry Fetchenhier and BJ Johnson and many other family and friends.
I graduated with Clarence and since my maiden name was Hering, I sat by him a lot of years in Waterville. I believe I went to school with him all my 12 years. He was a joy to be with and I will miss him. So glad I got to see him a few times after graduation. I enjoyed visiting with him so much. Joan Radloff
Julie,
My sympathy to you and your family. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. It’s never easy to lose a parent. Your Dad will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Bert and family,
My sincere sympathies to you and all who loved Clarence. I have spent many, many days thinking and praying for you all.
Bert and family,
I’m sorry I could not make to MN for Clarence’s memorial. He was a great man. Deepest condolences from me, wife Ellen, and kids Haley and Charlie (born Bianca). 💐