John G. Harty, 88, longtime area resident, died peacefully surrounded by his family, Saturday, January 16, 2021 at his home in South Range, WI.

John was born in Oakland Township, WI on Sept. 17, 1932 the son of Ralph M. and Esther (O'Brien) Harty. He was united in marriage to Geraldine 'Gerry' J. McDowell on October 20, 1954 in Pine City MN.

John worked for the USDA as a meat inspector for over 35 years, retiring in 1990.

John enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, hunting, gardening, bird watching, cooking, wood working, honky-tonk music, fixing things, making wine, and going to their cabin on the lake.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gerry; his parents; sisters, Mary Metcalf and Catherine Hart; and brother, Ralph M. Harty Jr.

John is survived by his daughters, Terry (Mike) McGinnis of Winnebago, MN, Catherine Harty of South Range, Colleen Harty of Superior, and Wendy (Randy) Polson South Range; grandchildren, Alyssa (Duane) Helle of New Ulm, MN, Briana McGinnis of Charleston, SC, Michael (Nicole Sandstrom) McGinnis of Minneapolis, Corinna (Dewayne) Decker, North Mankato, MN, Amanda (Paul) Powe, Jr. of South Range, Johnie Harty of South Range, Corrie (Steve Christner) Harty of Trego, WI, Casey (Kodi Brunner) Ostman of Hedgesville, WV, Bradley Matousek, Milwaukee, Craig (Abigail) Polson of Cottage Grove, MN, Lydia (Shane) Schroeder, Duluth, and Megan (Jerry) Maki of South Range; several great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 20 ^th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N 19 ^th St. Visitation will resume on Thursday, January 21 ^st from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 Mass of Christian Burial at Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Andrew Ricci as celebrant.

Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post #435.

Pallbearers will be Mike and Mac McGinnis, Randy and Craig Polson, Shane Schroeder, Jerry Maki, Paul Powe, Jr and Ralph M. Harty III.