Jeremiah Patrick Harney, 77, Theilman

Jeremiah Patrick Harney, 77, died in his home on August 8, 2020 surrounded by his family.
Born October 16, 1942, he was raised on his family farm.  Theilman’s version of a rebel without a cause, Jeremiah was known for having fun.   In his childhood years you could find him riding horses, tagging along after his big brothers and getting into the occasional fight. He graduated from Wabasha High School in 1960.  Jeremiah, also known as Jerry, or to many “Harney” had a boisterous laugh and hardy hug. He enjoyed his 1965 Harley Sportster and raced stock cars in the local circuit.  He loved his friends and spent many nights with them roaming Wabasha County in search of shenanigans. 
On April 17, 1971, he married Mary Lu Pfeilsticker.  During their life together they farmed and raised their daughter Ann.   Life with Jerry on the farm was less than ordinary.  While she would work outside the home, he farmed, took care of the yard, made dinners, baked bread, and helped with laundry.  When she came home she would arrive to an occasional “moon” in the kitchen window. 
While farming he also drove for Lloyd Meyer and Bud Meyer Trucklines.  When not farming or trucking he would be hunting, working with his horses or on one of his many Case tractors. He had a tender heart and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for a friend or family member, especially his daughter. The greatest joy in his life was when he became a grandpa.  Aidan Jeremiah was born on his birthday; setting the stage for a life of shared experiences. 
Although being asked to not return to St. Felix Catholic School due to too many unserved detentions, he held great respect for the Religious.  A lifelong member of St. Josephs’ Church, he also served on the parish council and was a Trustee for the Church and Cemetery.  After St. Joseph’s Catholic Church became an Oratory, he became an active member of St. Felix Catholic Church in Wabasha.  There he became a member of the Serra Club, an organization dedicated to the vocation of religious life.
He is survived by his wife Mary Lu, daughter Ann Harney Baxter (Bill) and grandson Aidan.  His siblings Geraldine Tibor (Richard), Robert Harney (Tiny), Genevieve Winters (Cope), David Harney (Karen), Mary Norgaard (David) and Patti Harney-Dwyer (Larry).  Brothers-in-law Jim (Rita), David (Mary), Gerry (Marilyn), Tom (Mary Ann), Steve, Pete (Dolores), Chuck (Deb) and Don (Ann) Pfeilsticker.  He is preceded in death by his parents James G. and Margaret (Ryan) Harney.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2020, from 4-8 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Theilman.  A funeral Mass will follow on Thursday, August 20, 2020, at St. Joseph’s at 10:30 a.m.   Interment will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. 
Due to Covid-19, overflow seating will be accommodated under a tent on the church lawn.  Services are entrusted to Abbott Funeral Home, Wabasha MN.  Words of sympathy or remembrance may be left at www.abbottfh.com. The family prefers Memorials to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church or St. Felix Catholic School.
Services entrusted to Abbott Funeral Home & Crematory, Wabasha, MN. Words of sympathy or remembrance may be left at www.abbottfh.com