Michael Wayne Harmon, age 79, of Worthington, passed away on Thursday, March 4th 2021. He was born on May 4th, 1941 in Belvidere, Illinois. He grew up on a farm in northern Illinois with his parents Kenneth and Opal (Amos) Harmon along with his brothers Tom and David. During his time in school, Mike was a dedicated, three-season athlete. He went to college to study business. During his senior year, head coach Tom Landry invited Mike to try out for the Dallas Cowboys, but a basketball injury prevented it.
His business career started after college. He was a regional manager for International Harvester, a regional manager at Ralston Purina, which led him to becoming a manager and part owner at Nutri Pro Feeds in Worthington.
Mike was a Worthington resident for 46 years, and he took pride in serving the community and the people in it. Since 2015, Mike has been an active city council member and was the mayor pro tem. He has been a driving force behind the 10th Avenue bridge and bringing the new movie theater to town. Throughout his time on the council, he served on the boards of the Center for Active Living, the Water & Light Commission, and the Prairie Justice Center. He served multiple terms on the ISD 518 School Board, and in recent years found great joy in serving as a greeter and substitute para for the elementary, middle, and high schools in town. Mike was also a long-time, loyal, WHS Trojans supporter.
Mike met his wife, Elena, on a blind date where they went to see a double header at Wrigley Field. The two later married in 1965. They moved all over the state of Minnesota and finally settled in Worthington where they raised their daughters. The two enjoyed playing golf, bridge, visiting friends, traveling, and playing games with family. He also enjoyed playing pinochle, fishing, and cheering on his beloved Chicago Bears and Cubs.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Elena; two daughters, Andi (James) Kulzer, Chris (Ty) Sukalski, and four granddaughters Adrienne, Caleigh, Lucy and Sydney, all of Rochester, MN; brothers, Tom (Sue) Harmon of Park Rapids, and David (Terri) Harmon of Machesney Park, IL, and nieces and nephews.
The family will celebrate Mike’s life with a Memorial Mass on Friday, June 11, at 2 PM, at St. Mary Catholic Church, in Worthington, officiated by Fr. James Callahan. A time of fellowship will be one hour prior to the service at the church. A private family committal service will be at a later date. In the meantime, they would greatly appreciate any memories or stories friends and peers may have of Mike. Cards or memorials can be sent to PO Box 461, Worthington, MN 56187 or residence.
Dingmann Funeral Home & Cremation Services, in Worthington, is in charge of arrangements.
To view an online obituary or a video tribute, please visit www.dingmannandsons.com.