Harold Henry Harris

Harold Henry Harris, 85, of Fullerton, passed away Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, at his home with his loving wife at his bedside.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, at Palmer-Santin Funeral Home in Fullerton with Pastor Josh Yankus officiating. Burial will follow at Fullerton Cemetery with military honors by Fullerton American Legion Post #151, VFW Post #5759, and United States Army Honor Guard. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Palmer-Santin Funeral Home. Palmer-Santin Funeral Home is serving the family.

Harold was born Oct. 19, 1941, to Harvey and Dora (Keller) Harris in Fullerton. He graduated from Fullerton High School in 1959. Following graduation, he served in the Army National Guard for six years. During those six years, he was called to active duty from 1964-1965. On Aug. 15, 1974, he was united in marriage to Diane Hellbusch in Yankton, S.D. To this union, a daughter and son were born: Brenda Lee and Ryan Harold.

On July 4, 1968, he opened Harold’s Repair, a full-service gas station, garage, and wrecker service. He operated the business for 52 years. He also served as the mayor of Fullerton and on the city council for 47 years. Harold was also the caretaker of Fullerton Cemetery for over 20 years.

Harold was a dedicated, caring, and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed old cars, tractors, cutting wood, and restoring antiques and wood burning stoves. Above all his hard work, he loved spending time with his wife and family. Cora, his greatgranddaughter, brought him endless joy with her livelihood.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Diane of Fullerton; daughter, Brenda (Ron) Knopik of Belgrade; son, Ryan Harris of Omaha; grandchildren, Quinton (Keiley) Knopik of Fullerton, Gracie (fiancé, Wyatt Boelter) of Winside, Sophie Knopik and great-granddaughter, Cora Pedersen, of Fullerton, Paige Harris of Cheyenne, Wyo., Tyler (Sophie) Sprinkel of Omaha, and Brett Sprinkel of Arlington, Va.; sisters, Marge Foland of Fullerton, Mary Lee Konz of Genoa, and Colleen (Kevin) Lincoln of St. Libory; brothers, Fred Harris of Fullerton, Lloyd (Ann) Harris of Gretna, and Rex (Patsy) Harris of Republic, Mo.; brother-in-law, Kenny Strain of Genoa; sisters-in-law, Darla (Doug) Russell Sr., Debra Sonderup, and Marilyn Hellbusch, all of Fullerton; brothers-in-law, Doug (Carol) Hellbusch of Fullerton, David (Marti) Hellbusch of St. Edward, Dick (Lisa) Hellbusch of Belgrade, and Danny Hellbusch of Columbus; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Maxine Harris and Myrna Strain; brother, Kent Harris; in-laws, Dale and Vera Hellbusch; sister-in-law, Annette Hellbusch; brothers-in-law, Darrell and Dennis Hellbusch; nephew, Kurt Hellbusch; and grandson, Dalton Sprinkel.