Mary Ellen Harre

Mary Ellen Harre passed away surrounded by her three children on January 6, 2023. She left this world to be with her beloved husband, Gene, on the 70th anniversary of their marriage.

Mary Ellen Harre lived her best life for over 88 ½ years. Mary Ellen was born on June 18, 1934 to Ray and Pearl Putnam in Ft. Crook, NE. She always felt that she had the best parents and family that anyone could ask for.

Mary Ellen met her husband, Gene Harre, while staying with her favorite aunt, Ginger, in Exeter, NE. They were married on January 6, 1953 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dow City, Iowa. Mary Ellen and Gene were blessed with three children. Mary Ellen would tell everyone she could how proud she was of her family. She was especially proud that all three of her children went to Creighton University in Omaha, NE. Mary Ellen and Gene worked hard throughout their life to provide a good foundation for Ray, Mary Jean, and Kathy. Mary Ellen loved to tell people that she had a doctor, a nurse, and a teacher. All they needed was a lawyer!

Besides being a busy mother and farm wife, Mary Ellen also loved to help others. She was involved with many community organizations, St. Mary's Church, the Dow City Library, and the Dow City Community Club, to name a few. Mary Ellen and Gene also helped organize the museum in the Dow City Park.

Having to leave her beloved house and farm this past summer was extremely hard for her. But, she got to be closer to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. It is a comfort to her children to know that Mary Ellen felt like she had lived a complete and very happy life.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Gene; parents, Ray and Pearl Putnam; brother, Maurice/Buzz (Barb) Putnam; brother-in-law, Al Folkens; and beloved niece, Pam Brosamle. She is survived by her three children: Dr. Ray Harre (Barb), Mary Jean Bogs (Tim), and Kathy Strange (Jim), seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Pearl Reitz (Pete); many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, Mary Ellen requested that memorials be directed to the Dow City Park Museum for upkeep of the school, caboose, and jail.