Harris John Takle, age 78 of Janesville formerly of Worthington, passed away Sunday, February 13, 2022 at Whispering Creek Nursing Home in Janesville. Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, February 18, 2022 at English Lutheran Church in Walnut Grove with a livestream on English Lutheran Church Facebook page. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church on Friday. Interment will be in the Walnut Grove Cemetery. Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Harris John Takle was born June 19, 1943 to John and Hazel (Nelson) Takle in Ann Township, Cottonwood County, Minnesota. He grew up on the farm and enjoyed the animals and farming operation. Harris was a member of the 4-H club and St. Olaf Lutheran Church. In 1962, he graduated from Walnut Grove High School. Upon being diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, he moved to Worthington to attend a workshop for handicapped individuals. Harris then pursued the job market, working for an implement shop and other businesses. He found a job with Perkins Restaurant and worked there for over 20 years. Harris received an Outstanding Employee Award from Perkins, which was presented to him in San Antonio, Texas. He later had a very bad bout with pneumonia in 2006 and was hospitalized for a month. Harris then moved into an assisted living apartment at Golden Horizons in Worthington. However, he wasn’t finished being helpful to his community and he volunteered to deliver Meals on Wheels to residents of Worthington for six years, driving his own car. In 2019, Harris moved to Janesville to be closer to his sister. Because of poor health, he entered Whispering Creek Nursing Home there, where he has resided until his passing. Harris enjoyed doing puzzles, playing bingo and watching sports, especially the Minnesota Vikings and Twins.
Harris is survived by his sisters Joan Finitsis of Foxborough, MA and Annette Gardner of Janesville; five nieces and nephews; and several great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents John & Hazel Takle, brother-in-law Cliff Gardner, and other extended family members.
