K Francis Harrison

K Francis Harrison, age 83, of Pocatello, Idaho, passed away on December 14, 2020 in Pocatello while doing outside chores.

He was born on November 4, 1937 in DeSoto, Wisconsin. In February 1938, when K was three months old, the family got into a 1937 car and came across the country all the way to Sugar City, ID in a snowstorm. K's childhood was mostly spent in St. Anthony, ID where he graduated from South Fremont High School in 1956. He went to school at the Business College in Idaho, Falls, where he got his certificate. Union Pacific Railroad sought K out and hired him. Shortly after, in 1957, he met his wife JoLeene VanOrden. After a year of dating, K and JoLeene were married and sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on May 23, 1958. When they got married, the couple moved into JoLeene's childhood home where they still reside. The couple just celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.

After working 12 years with UPRR, K went to work at Argonne National Laboratory for 10 years as a purchasing agent. He enjoyed this job very much, however, could not pass up the opportunity when Bucyrus-Erie (B.E.) offered him a position as a purchasing agent. He worked there until they closed the Pocatello plant (8 years). He then went to work for Varsity Contractors as an area manager, where he retired in 2000.

K and JoLeene were blessed with three sons, Michael, Rodney, and Roger and one daughter, Shauna. They grew up spending time on the ski slopes with their dad, where K would teach them all about the outdoors. Not only did K teach his own kids how to ski, fish and hunt, he also taught his nephews and niece.

K was an active member in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in many church leadership positions throughout his life. K & JoLeene loved serving in the Idaho Falls, ID temple. He loved to serve the Lord and those around him. He was a true example of Christlike love.

K's love for the outdoors has always been a big part of his life. Once he retired, he was able to enjoy time with family and friends, many hours of fishing, golfing, hunting, camping, and boating. His motto was "Fish Fear Me." He loved being involved in the Snake River New Horizons Band where he played the trumpet and performed in several concerts. He also loved to oil paint beautiful landscapes and created many art pieces for his family to enjoy and cherish.

K was known by all who knew him for his loving smile, sweet hugs, and charming personality. In his younger days, his call-sign was "The Idaho Charmer." He will be missed by anyone who was blessed to know him, including his beloved black Labrador, Bella.

K is survived by his wife, JoLeene Harrison, his sons Michael Harrison (Lisa) of Swan Valley, ID; Rodney Harrison (Melanie) of Chubbuck, ID, Roger Harrison (Kim) of Firth, ID and daughter Shauna Gummersall (Scott) of Pocatello, ID, 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Milton Francis and Berniece Leola Birch Harrison.

Private family services are under direction of Wilks Funeral Home in Chubbuck, ID.

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