John Harr Sr.
John Harr Sr.
1939 ~ 2023
Our beloved father, grandfather, and brother, John Phillip Harr, of Cedar Hills, Utah, peacefully passed after submitting to our Father’s will on Friday, October 27, 2023. Surrounded by his loved ones at his home, he quietly slipped away to be reunited with his beautiful wife of 53 years, Janet Lester Harr.
John was born on December 24, 1939, in Murray, Utah, to Hurley William Harr and Eleanor Edith Robinson. He enjoyed a wonderful childhood growing up with his two brothers, Bud and David, along with his loyal dog, Tip. John attended and graduated from Murray High School where he met his sweetheart, Janet Lester. They were married on October 14, 1957, and were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on August 30, 1961. This was the beginning of, “The greatest love story ever told”.
Soon after they were married, John and Janet learned the value of hard work as they began their young family and persevered in order to provide for them. John worked several jobs at one time and progressively developed his skill set, until he was inspired to start his own real estate business with his life-long friend, Verl Hebertson. Together, they eventually established ERA Mountain Land Realty in Pleasant Grove, Utah, and several years later, his oldest son, John Harr Jr., became his partner where they continued to develop it into the successful business it is today.
While raising their six children, John and Janet placed great emphasis on developing strong and loving relationships. As their family matured and expanded, their dream was to provide a place where their posterity could go and continue cultivating lasting connections. They searched for property for over 2 years until they found the perfect location in 1996 at Fish Lake in Utah. Progress was delayed as they served an LDS mission in Johannesburg, South Africa, and soon after their return, development was interrupted again as John underwent a heart and kidney transplant. During that same period, Janet fought a battle with breast cancer. With great determination and effort, their goal was finally achieved in 2008. Janet was blessed to see the realization of their dream and to witness the joy it brought to their family. John and Janet shared their last dance together at the ranch surrounded by their posterity in July of 2009. She peacefully passed away the following month. John’s favorite place on earth was sitting on the front deck of the cabin with a hamburger and diet coke in hand while watching his kids talk, laugh, play, work, and strengthen relationships.
Several years after Janet’s passing, John found companionship again when he met Karen La Giusa, and they were married on February 14, 2014. John enjoyed her company and willingness to try new adventures, along with the flower she wore in her hair. Karen passed in October 2022 due to medical complications.
John lived life to its fullest. He loved deeply and made connections with people of every walk of life. He is remembered by his family mostly for his huge heart and the compassion he showed for anyone in need. He spread his kindness by sharing his “Pay It Forward” cards throughout the state of Utah at Hart’s gas stations, Jim’s Family Restaurant, and any place he noted the lonely and downtrodden. His example of charity, hard work, perseverance, determination, and the ability to turn ordinary circumstances into FUN has been engrained deeply into the hearts of all who knew him. His children and grandchildren will always cherish fishing trips and elk hunts, the magic tricks he mesmerized them with, the pranks he pulled on them, and the long drives in his convertible up American Fork Canyon while the radio blasted his favorite songs.
John was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Over the years he held several callings, but most importantly, he was a devoted, loving husband and a dedicated father and grandfather. John lived as the Savior taught—he loved as He loved, and forgave as He forgave. He will be deeply missed by his family as well as those whose lives he touched with his warm heart and his affectionate generosity.
Warm wishes of gratitude to the many healthcare professionals and others who served and so lovingly cared for dad during his last days of life. We love and appreciate you.
John was preceded in death by his wife Janet, his son Bruce (Alison), and his 2nd wife Karen La Giusa, and his great-great-granddaughter Payson. He is survived by his children: John Harr Jr., (Sheena), Keith P. Harr (Carolyn), Karen Ketch (Greg), Lori Clove (Lonnie), and Greg Harr (Melinda), 39 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren, 3 great great-grandchildren, and his two brothers, Bud and David Harr.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 11:00 am in the Cedar Hills 1st Ward Chapel, located at 4355 West Cedar Hills Drive, Cedar Hills, Utah. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Monday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Cedar Hills 1st Ward Chapel and also at an additional viewing on Tuesday morning from 9:30-10:30 am prior to services. Interment will follow funeral services at the Murray City Cemetery located at 5490 South Vine Street, Murray, Utah.