Racine- Donald E. Harmann, 80, passed away peacefully at Wheaton Franciscan –All Saints Medical Center on Friday, December 9, 2011, surrounded with the love of his praying family.

Don was born in Whitewater, WI on August 13, 1931 to the late Arthur and Ruth (nee: Gordon) Harmann, Sr. The family moved to the Sturtevantarea when Don was seven years old. He graduated from Washington Park High School in 1950.

On September 6, 1952 he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Rose Ella (nee: Mueller) Harmann. Don was employed by Racine Hydraulics / Rexnord for over 30 years until he went to work for Thermal Transfer, from where he retired in 1993.

Don was a proud member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church where he had served as a usher, sang in the choir and was active in the Senior Club. As a tireless volunteer, he served our community on the Sturtevant and Mt. Pleasant Fire Departments; was a Junior Achievement Advisor; and was a tutor at Schulte School. Among his interests, Don enjoyed gardening, playing cards, traveling, camping and loved spending time with his grandchildren as well as attending their sports and scholastic activities.

Surviving are his loving wife of 59 years, Rose Ella; their children, Cynthia (Chuck) Comello, Jeffrey (Peggy) Harmann, Patrick Harmann and Scott (Gail) Harmann; grandchildren, Joey Harmann, Elizabeth (Alex) Lisic, Alex Harmann and Kyle Harmann; great-grandson, Evan Lisic; sister-in-law, Audrey Harmann; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his beloved son, Keith Harmann (November 7, 2007); brother, Arthur Harmann Jr.; sister, Marilyn (Lloyd) Newman; Rose Ella's parents, Peter and Elizabeth Mueller; and sister-in-law, Rita (Lester) Feuerer.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 6:00 pm in St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 3126 – 95 ^th Street in Sturtevant, with Rev. Paul L. Raczynski officiating. Visitation will be in the church on Tuesday from 4-6 pm. Private entombment will take place in the mausoleum of Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Sebastian Church or to one's favorite charity have been suggested.

A heartfelt note of thanks to Rev. Paul L. Raczynski for his sincere caring for our family and spiritual needs; and to the wonderful staff at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints, especially Dr. Howard Short, Dr. John Brennan and the CVI 3 ^rd and 5 ^th Floors for the compassionate care given in our time of need. May God bless all of you!