Douglas Robert Harnisch

Doug’s service will be live-streamed here: https://www.firstpresfargo.org/media/6yfpv8z/doug-harnisch-memorial-service

Doug's tribute video may be viewed here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/LLWSPJN82YS7M7DD

Douglas Robert Harnisch, 81, lost a valiant battle to the West Nile virus on November 27, 2023 surrounded by his family, friends, and his beloved Lab, Isabelle under palliative care at Vibra Hospital.

Doug was an intelligent, compassionate, and thoughtful man to family, friends, and strangers alike. He had a wry sense of humor and had a natural ability to mimic personalities and find the amusing aspect in life's foibles.

Doug was born on January 27, 1942, in New York City, New York to Robert Harnisch and Wilhelmina (Hess) Harnisch. He attended City public schools. He was an avid basketball player throughout his formative years from which he was recruited to play Division 1 basketball at Utah State University. Doug majored in microbiology and food science and continued his education earning his Master of Science degree at Kansas State University and completing coursework for a Doctorate at the University of Illinois. In 1969, he joined General Foods Corporation in the Research Department where he worked on coffee technology. In 1980, Doug accepted the position of Director of Research with the American Crystal Sugar Company. He retired in 2013 working for AFLAC.

Doug was married to Roberta (Petitmaire) Harnisch on December 22, 1973 in Rye, NY. He was a devoted father to his children, Jennifer, Brooke and John. He thoughtfully listened, counseled, and mentored them throughout their formative years hardly ever missing an important school or family function, game, or meet. He loved all animals, but especially his beloved dogs. His lab, Isabelle, spent the last eight weeks with him at the hospital. Doug was also a plant enthusiast throughout his life. He especially enjoyed propagating orchids, a variety of indoor plants, and his outdoor gardens of forty-plus years.

Doug is survived by his wife, Roberta; his daughter and son-in-law, Brooke Harnisch and Daniel Roberts; his daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Michael Verbic; grandchildren, Owen and Luke Roberts, Elizabeth Harnisch, and Michael and Grace Verbic. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Yvonne Petitmaire and James Charton; and nephews, Christopher Charton, and Michael and Richard Gomez.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Wilhelmina Harnisch; parents-in-law, Maurice and Roberta Petitmaire; his son, John Edward Harnisch; and his sister, Margaret Gomez Meany.

The family would like to thank the administration, doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, CNAs, OT para therapists and any other auxiliary staff at Vibra Hospital and Sanford Health for their expertise, care, compassion, and kindnesses to Doug and his family these many weeks.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations and memorials be made to Sanford Health, Vibra Hospital, 4 Luv of Dog Rescue or Homeward Animal Shelter.

Celebration of Doug's Life will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 11 AM on January 20, 2024.