Doris M. Harris

     Doris M. Harris, 73, of Sparta, died Thursday, May 10, 2018 at Gundersen Health System, La Crosse. She was born on June 28, 1944 in Sparta, WI to Gilbert (Gib) and Genevieve (Jenny) (Coleman) Fauska. Doris grew up in Wilton and Tomah and graduated from Tomah High School.

     Doris married Ray G. Harris on June 7, 1961. After their marriage Doris moved to Colorado, Springs where Ray was stationed at Ft. Carson. This is where they had their son Bryan. After Ray got out of the Army they moved back to Tomah in 1963 where she had their second child Jody. The two of them ran and managed a drycleaners. Doris was a loving and committed mother to her children and wanted to stay near the Tomah area. Doris and Ray later moved to Sparta in 1970 when Ray was appointed Sheriff. In 1971 Doris and Ray had their second son Troy. 

     Doris continued her education and eventually worked as Deputy Sheriff/Matron for Monroe County Sheriffs Department. It was during this time she helped Ray run the jail and managed the jail operations until 1982. In 1982 Doris and Ray bought a local watering hole in Sparta, which was known as the Town Tap which they renamed Harris Crossing. Doris and Ray ran Harris Crossing for 29 years until the passing of her best friend and love of her life. The two had many great times and memories with their friends and family.  

   Doris had many hobbies and loved crocheting, bowling, darts, crafting, and loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

     Doris is survived by her children, Bryan (Lori) Harris, Jody Harris, and Troy (Christie) Harris all of Sparta; her grandchildren, Jena (Clayton) Fein of Mazeppa, MN, Kole Harris, September Harris, Addyson Harris, and Colton Harris all of Sparta; 2 great grandchildren; her brother, Kenneth (Judy) Fauska of Wyeville; and a close cousin, Patty Stratman of Wilton.

     She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Ray on March 14, 2011.

     A funeral service will be held at 11 am. on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Sparta, with Reverend Mark Kvale officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sparta.

     Family and friends are invited to call from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, and from 10 a.m. until time of services on Wednesday at the church. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

     The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

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