John C. Harkins

Harkins, John C.
Appleton
Angelus Retirement Community

Age 80, died Friday morning, March 19, 2004, following an extended illness. He was born January 10, 1924, to the late Kellogg W. and Laura E. Harkins, in Milwaukee and grew up in the Milwaukee area. John graduated from Appleton High School and served with the U. S. Navy, during WW II, in the South Pacific. He married Jean M. Risse, on November 18, 1944, in Appleton in the former home of Martha Siekman. John graduated from Lawrence University in 1950 and taught English, Math and Social Studies and coached track and basketball at Wilson Junior High. John was the first Special Education instructor in the Appleton School System and taught in many of the systems schools. John received his Masters Degree in Special Education from the University of Arkansas-Conway in 1970 and retired from teaching 13 years ago. John was an excellent wood carver and enjoyed golf, cribbage and sheepshead. He was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ, the Y’s Men, was a founder and a member of the Board of Directors of Agape, he helped organize the Appleton Teacher’s Credit Union, was a member of the Oney Johnston-Edward Blessman American Legion Post #38 and while a student at Lawrence University, John was affiliated with Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. Survivors include his wife, Jean M. (Risse) Harkins; a daughter, Kathryn Breitzman, Conover; two sons and a daughter-in-law, William and Colleen Harkins, Appleton; Chad Harkins, Appleton; four grandchildren, Jann (Jeremy) Goldberg, Laura (Jeramy) Bidwell, Maggie and Cooper Harkins; a great granddaughter, Bailey Elizabeth Bidwell; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Marjorie Buchanan-Kiewit, Boston; Barbara and Robert Belle, Belleville, WI; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, William K. Harkins, who died during WW II. A memorial service for John will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, April 3, 2004, at FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 724 East South River Street, with Reverend John T. McFadden officiating. Relatives and friends will be received at the church on Saturday, from 9:30 am until the time of the service. A memorial fund is being established.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 North Superior Street
Appleton 739-1231
www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com