Carl Dennis Harner

Carl ‘Dennis’ Harner, age 84 years, a resident of rural Vienna, passed away Saturday morning, November 30, 2024, at Deaconess Illinois Medical Center in Marion, Illinois. Dennis, as he was known to family and friends, was born August 18, 1940 at the family home near Vienna. He was the son of Carl Preston Harner and Sarah Gail (Fairless) Harner. On September 24, 1960, Dennis was united in marriage to the love of his life, Patricia Arends, in Kankakee, Illinois. They had met on a blind date and have enjoyed over 64 years of marriage. In addition to his beloved wife, Dennis is survived by: 3 children – Dennis James (Vickie) Harner, Teresa Gail Richerson, and Patrick Preston (Debbie) Harner all of Vienna; 5 grandchildren – C.J. (Danny) Rosenfeld, Amber Dawn (Brandon Jackson) Harner, Shoshannah (Kyle) DiDomenico, Tori (James) Caraker, and Tyler Harner; 7 great grandchildren – Hayden Courville, Nolan Courville, Bryce Hettinger, Bennett Caraker, Olivia DiDomenico, Colt Jackson and Anthony DiDomenico; a sister – Linda Ming of Cypress; 2 brothers – Dallas (Charlene) Harner of Vienna and Jesse Harner of Robertson, Missouri; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by: a son-in-law – Michael C. ‘Rat’ Richerson; and 3 brothers – Michael Ray Harner, Ronald Lee Harner, and David Bruce Harner. When Dennis and Pat were first married, they resided in Northern Illinois for 8 years. Dennis was employed as a factory worker. Following the family’s move to Southern Illinois, Dennis began working as a heavy equipment operator and affiliated with the International Union of Operating Engineers (I.U.O.E.) Local # 318 in Marion, Illinois, where he was currently a 55 year retired member. Dennis was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. Dennis is remembered for his love of farming and animal raising. Through the years, he raised cattle, hogs, quail & chukars, dogs and rabbits. Dennis also enjoyed watching a good western movie. He was of the Baptist faith. Throughout his lifetime, Dennis raised and raced many thoroughbred horses. He and Pat were familiar figures throughout the region’s thoroughbred race circuit. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. A private celebration of Dennis’ life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-1905 or to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 4400 Clayton Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63110.

Carl Dennis Harner

August 18, 1940 - November 30, 2024