Donald Karl Harriss

Don Harriss of Hermantown passed away July 29, 2026, at the age of 91. Born in Zeigler, Illinois, September
24, 1934, Don was the middle child of Lawrence and Edna (Thornton) Harriss.

From an early age, Don had a love of learning, something that was cultivated during his grammar school years
in small, often one-room schools. After graduating from Fairfield, Illinois, high school at age 16, Don briefly
attended the U of Illinois where he jokingly says his major was “bridge.” After serving in the Air Force, Don
earned a BA in Chemistry at SIU-Carbondale and a PhD in Chemistry at Northwestern University.

Don’s education led him to the University of Minnesota Duluth where he built a 40-year career as a faculty
member, researcher, and administrator. His accomplishments include establishing the Supportive Services
Program, initiating the Institutional Research function, and overseeing the development of the Natural
Resources Research Institute (NRRI). He proudly noted that he was actively involved in negotiating several
contracts between the University and UEA, the faculty bargaining unit—one for the administration and the rest
for UEA.

A 50-plus year member of the American Chemical Society, Don was actively involved in the Lake Superior
Section and also provided committee service at the national level. Don valued the friendships made during his
educational and professional career and felt privileged to continue them over the years.

Until mobility issues arose, Don could regularly be found at UMD theater performances, Bulldog men’s and
women’s athletic events, and Dukes/Huskies baseball games. Reading and travel were among his interests,
especially after retirement.

The family cabin at White Lake gave Don the opportunity to relax by fishing or doing fix-up projects. He
claimed to know the best spots on the Lake but never brought in more fish than could be enjoyed with family
and friends that day. At home, he delighted in fixing biscuits & sausage gravy breakfasts, making horseradish,
and hosting family holiday dinners.

Don’s parents, older sister Rose Harriss, younger sister Nancy and husband Gayle Sanders, as well as extended
family members throughout the country preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Pat Merrier;
children Vicki Carey, Kyle (Mary Ann) Harriss, Joan (Brad Fujii), and Hugh (Jennifer) Harriss; grandchildren
Lorelei Carey, Andrea (Alex) Flinner, Emma and Matt Fujii, and Brenna, Simon, Katy, and Sophie Harriss; great
grandchildren Michael Flinner, Kobi Zeogar, and Maisy Harriss.

The family extends special thanks to Dr. Tim Kleinschmidt for gentle, respectful care over the years and to
Aspirus St. Luke’s nurses on 5W, 4W, and 2W for the care provided during the last two weeks of Don’s life.

Services will be held at Hillside United Methodist Church. 1801 Piedmont Avenue, Duluth, at 2 PM on August
29. Visitation begins one hour before the service. Memorials may be directed to CHUM, Second Harvest, or a
charity of the donor’s choice.