Dave Harrison (1953-2026)

David George Harrison, 72, a devout Christian from Appleton, peacefully returned to the God he loved on January 29th after a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer.

Dave was born in Oshkosh in 1953 to Alvin and Amelia Harrison. He graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1971 and went on to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1976. He then began full-time at Prescott's Sawyer Super Valu where he had worked since the age of 15. This is where he first met the love of his life, Jackie.

While at Super Valu, Jackie coined Dave's first nickname, "Mr. Brown Eyes". He also spent over a decade with Frito-Lay; this is when Jackie coined his next nickname "Dorito Dave". Lastly, he retired from Wells Enterprises Inc. (Blue Bunny) in 2018 after being with them for almost two decades. While there, Jackie coined his final nickname "Blue Bunny Honey".

Dave and Jackie first met in 1979 and committed to each other in marriage in October of 1980. They spent most of the '80s living in Oshkosh, raising daughters Sarah & Beth, and son Justin. They spent most of the '90s in Waupaca and then a little time in Kentucky before settling in Stevens Point for over 20 years. After retirement they moved to Appleton to be closer to their son and grandson.

Dave was a devoted Christian who cherished his Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Dave and Jackie attended and volunteered at Pathways Church and took solace in knowing the Lord was watching over and comforting them through his illness journey. To be of service for Jesus was very important to Dave, even as his illness progressed.

He greatly enjoyed watching/playing/coaching sports, golfing, attending boat races and helping Jackie in the garden.  In retirement, his favorite thing was sitting in the backyard admiring their flowering gardens and the beautiful landscaping they created together.  For many years, Dave looked forward with excitement to celebrating Father's Day attending the Road America Indy car race with Justin (with Lou joining them in recent years).

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Alvin Harrison Jr (Bud) who he will meet again in Heaven; and is survived by loving wife Jackie; daughters: Sarah McCann and Elizabeth Perl (Stan); son, Justin (significant other Miranda Mahlum); five grandchildren: Lillian (Daniel Martin), Anna, Amelia, Ava, Louis, that lit up his life and he loved very much. He left behind sisters: Jean Weber and Mary (Bill) House; sister-in-law, Judy Harrison; and many nieces and nephews. Also, close dear friends Julie and Bob, Doug and Diana, and Matt and Terri and family.

In lieu of flowers or plants, Dave has requested that if you are so inclined, please donate to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Celebration of Life service will be held at Pathways Church at 311 W. Evergreen Drive, Appleton, WI, on Saturday, February 7. Visitation will be from 10am to 11am. Service will begin at 11am. A buffet luncheon at Pullman's (619 Olde Oneida St, Appleton) will take place between 12:15pm and 2:15pm.

Donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital in Dave's name are encouraged.