Theodore “Ted” W. Harris

Theodore “Ted” W. Harris of West Bend, age 77, passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, December 2, 2023.

Ted brought immeasurable joy and happiness to all those who have been blessed to meet him. His fiery passion for his wife, Lynda, was unmatched along with his deep commitment to his family.

Ted enjoyed traveling with his beloved wife, especially their winter getaways to Arizona where they could watch the Brewers spring training, go on adventurous hikes, visit ghost towns and enjoy the water. He also loved going to the movies with his grandkids, playing BINGO, and was always down for some side hustles with his friend, Dan.  Ted will hilariously be remembered for his scary stories, late night pranks and horrifying scares.

Ted proudly served his country for +20 years. He enlisted in the United States Army on November 29, 1965. After attending Basic Training, SSG Harris went on to Advanced Individual Training (AIT) as a Communication Specialist at Fort Gordon, GA. SSG Harris served as a Communication Center Specialist in Italy, Vietnam and Germany. SSG Harris served in the United States Army for 8 1 ⁄ 2 years, of which 5 and a half were overseas duty. SSG Harris left active duty on May 29, 1974 at the rank of Sergeant.

SSG Harris took a short break from the military until February 15, 1975, when he enlisted into the Wisconsin Army National Guard in the 32nd Military Police Company, as a Military Police.  On August 29, 1989, SSG Harris went into Company C (Medical), 132nd Support Battalion in Milwaukee. SSG Harris served with Company C as a Medical Supply Sergeant until May 30, 1991.  Transferring to the 105th Maintenance Company on May 31, 1991 and becoming a Utility Equipment Repairer.  SSG Harris served with the 105th Maint Co until December 1994 when they were deactivated.  He transferred to the 32nd Military Police Company and served as a Military Police (MP) before transferring to the 832nd Medical Company in February 1995,  serving out the remainder of his military career as an Assistant NBC NCO.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Lynda; his proud children, Nikki (Haney) Jones, Jessica (Chris) Soper, Teddy (Kim) Harris; his precious grandchildren, Sage, Caleb, Emma, Ava, Stella, Liam, Boston, Haney and Caden; his siblings, Patty, Jean (Roy), Judy, Susie (Tom), and Mike (Ellen).  He was also survived by his sisters-in-law, Diana, Barbara, Cindy, Sandra (Jack), Debbie (Frank) and brother-in-law John (Jamie), along with many other family and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Morton and Maude Harris; his brothers-in-law, Joe and Tom; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Raymond and Marolyn Doyle.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive in Brookfield, and a Memorial Service with Military Honors at 2:00 PM.

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