Charles "Chubba" Harris

Charles “Chubba” E. Harris, 86, of Mason City, IA, went to Heaven peacefully Thursday, March 23, 2017, at Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa, surrounded by his entire family. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, March 30, 2017, at St. James Lutheran Church, 1148 4th Street SE, with Pastor Jeni Bohls officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Mason City Veterans Association and the U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard. Interment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue. Memorials may be directed to Charles Harris memorial fund in care of the family.


Charles was born November 18, 1930, in Charles City, IA, the son of George Dewey and Ruth A. (Hansen) Harris. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1948. In 1950, he became employed with North Western Bell Telephone Company. He then took a leave of absence to join the armed forces. On January 19, 1951, Chuck enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, and proudly served his country during the Korean War as a Field Wireman and Runner until his honorable discharge on January 18, 1954. Chuck returned to the telephone company where he worked as a communications technician until his retirement in 1989, after which he worked as an independent technician. On June 20, 1954, Chuck was united in marriage to Dixie Muhlstein in Mason City. In his younger years, Chuck played softball, participated in Judo and was the state heavy weight champion. Chuck loved his family and fellow Marines. Chuck enjoyed hunting & fishing with his boys, being Scout Master for Troop 5, helping others and raising money for many charitable organizations. Chubba considered the VFW his second family and he dedicated much of himself to the club. He had record setting poppy sales, made “pick-ups” for Toys for Tots with friend Vern Gourley and organized numerous functions at the VFW with friend Larry Harrington. He also organized Halloween and Valentine dinners and dances for NIVC and Opportunity Village clients. Each November, Chuck would look forward to visiting the hunting shack in Michigan with Todd Meyer, Ed Meyer and Tim Lichman, serving as the “official cook.” Chuck was a man of strong faith and an active member of St. James Lutheran Church. A dedicated military man, Chubba was a member of the Marine Corp League and the VFW where he served in many capacities including Post Commander. He also preformed 500+ funeral military rites throughout the years.

Chuck is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Dixie Harris of Mason City; his children: Charles S. Harris and wife Mary of Mason City, Jay Harris and significant other Kristi Schroedl of Minneapolis, MN, and Lori Thole and husband Dean of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren: Jamie Malek and husband Greg, Jillian Harris, Sara Trout and husband Chad; great grandchildren: Ethan, Kellar, Sophie & Charlie Malek, Cason & Rhett Trout; as well as bonus grandchildren, Colin (Jessica) Klang & their daughter Brynlyn, Katy (Sean) Duffy & their son Leo, and Steven & Kelly Blanchette; sister: Carolyn Funk of Mason City; brother: Larry Harris and wife Shirley of Kansas City, MO; sisters-in-law: Donna Meyer of Mason City and Sharon Muhlstein of Mason City; and brother-in-law: Rich Muhlstein and wife Trudy of Mason City. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. Chubba had a heart of gold, helping anyone who needed help.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister: Norma Welbourn and husband Dale; brother: Dewey Harris; and brother-in-law: Doc Funk. Chubba will be missed dearly but never forgotten.