Frankenmuth, MI

Went to be with Jesus, his Savior, on Saturday, August 14, 2010, at his home in Frankenmuth at the age of 84 years.  Harris was born in Augsburg, Ontario, Canada on November 20, 1925 to Rev. Leo and Gertrude (Tiegs) Kaesmeyer.  After moving to Frankenmuth, he attended and graduated from St. Lorenz School in 1939.

Harris attended Michigan Lutheran Seminary in Saginaw, MI, Northwestern College in Watertown, WI, and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI, where he graduated in 1951.  For the second year of his Seminary training, he studied at the Lutherische Theologische Hochschule in Oberursel, Germany.  His first assignment was to serve as tutor and assistant instructor at Dr. Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN.  While there he met and married Thelma (Dots) Schlutz of St. Paul, MN on July 12, 1953. 

Pastor Kaesmeyer then served Palos Lutheran Church, in Palos Hts., IL from 1953 – 1956.  In 1956 he began teaching English, German and Religion at MLS.  While there he coached golf and basketball and also served as Athletic Director.  “Kaese” received his Masters Degree in Education from MSU in 1962. He retired from teaching in 1990.  Kaese and Dots then moved to Germany where he served the Ev. Lutheran Frei Church in Germany for 2 years.  In 1999, they moved to Frankenmuth and joined St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Throughout his life, he was an accomplished athlete – baseball being his favorite.  He also enjoyed Michigan sports, golfing and bowling.  He was also very proud and knowledgeable of Frankenmuth history.

Surviving him besides his wife Thelma are, six children; Susan of Frankenmuth, Rachel (Keith) of Plover, WI, James (Shirley) of Longmont, CO, Daniel (Susan) of Pleasant Grove, UT, John of Waukesha, WI and Mark (Alane) of Lake Geneva, WI.  Also surviving are, ten grand children; Joshua (Joanna), Caleb (Kristin), Micah, Sarah and Lydia Free, Luke and Tessa Kaesmeyer, and Jared, Clara and Aubrey Kaesmeyer

Harris was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Bernice, and brothers, Eugene and Victor.

Funeral services will take place at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday August 18, 2010 at St. John’s  Lutheran Church, 1200 E. Genesee, Frankenmuth MI, Rev. Kyle Madson will officiate.  Harris’ family will receive visitors at the Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. on Tuesday from 4-8 P.M. and at church on Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service.  In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. John’s Lutheran Hour or Michigan Lutheran Seminary Scholarship Fund.

www.cederbergfh.com

Notification Published by Cederberg FH of Frankenmuth

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