Harry Frederick Risius, 95, of Bricelyn, Minnesota, died Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Home in Blue Earth, Minnesota. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at Bricelyn Lutheran Church with Rev. Nancy Dreier officiating.

Harry was born Jan. 3, 1921, on a farm near Austin, Minnesota, to Jacob and Hattie (Bestje) Risius. Harry went to country school south of Brownsdale, Minnesota, and graduated from Austin High School in 1938. After doing many small jobs in the area, he volunteered for service in the Army Air Corps in 1942. Instead of the Air Corps he was assigned to the 176th Infantry Regiment and trained in Washington, DC, and Fort Benning, Georgia. After eight months, he was able to join the Air Corps, getting his wings in 1944.  Harry was an instructor in twin-engine planes, and then trained in the B17 Flying Fortress. The surrender of Japan ended all training and Harry was discharged in November 1945 as a second lieutenant.

On April 22, 1945, Harry was united in marriage to Evelyn Hoffman at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Owatonna, Minnesota. Evelyn was with him during his service years in Columbus, Ohio, and Sebring, Florida. In 1946 they moved to Bricelyn, where Harry started a Case Machinery business. He held that franchise for 38 years.

Harry was active in the community. He was a 70-year member of the Bricelyn American Legion as well as an adjutant, past commander and honor guard member. He was the original gambling manager and held that position for 14 years. Harry was active in the Community Club, serving as treasurer for 14 years.  He was a member of the Bricelyn Lutheran Church, serving there as secretary, treasurer, deacon, Sunday School superintendent, head usher and member of the cemetery board.

Harry loved to work with wood, read, play on the computer, listen to music, dance, and watch sports, especially the Twins and Vikings. After retiring from his implement business, he helped friends with their farm work and worked at the canning factory in Bricelyn. He and Evelyn also enjoyed visiting their children and grandchildren in various states.

Harry is survived by his daughters, Pamela (Donnie) Trent of Okeechobee, Florida, Dianne (Robert) Coughlin of Belgrade, Montana, and Jeanne (Dwaine) Bruns of Avon, Minnesota; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Risius of Bricelyn; 12 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his two sisters-in-law, Benita Hoffman and Arlys Risius.

Harry is preceded in death by his loving wife Evelyn of 71 years, on Sept. 19, 2016; parents, Jacob and Hattie Risius of Brownsdale; brothers, Johannes and Edward Risius; sisters, Ida Risius, Ann Clingman, Minnie Risius, Frieda Oudekirk, and Esther Krull; infant son, David Paul; and  son, John Herbert.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 30, at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Bricelyn, and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be at Bricelyn Lutheran Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by the Bricelyn American Legion Post 165.

Memorials may be given in his honor to Bricelyn Lutheran Church, Bricelyn, MN  56014 or United Hospital District Hospice, P.O. Box 160, Blue Earth, MN  56013.

Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Bricelyn is assisting the family.  To leave an online condolence, please visit www.brussheitner.com.