Robert L. Harris

Robert “Bob” Louis Harris, 95, of Prairie du Chien died on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, at Prairie Maison Nursing Home.

Bob was born in Prairie du Chien on Nov. 12, 1930, to Louis and Florence Harris. He lived in Giard during his school years, attending Giard Public School #6, and graduating from McGregor, IA High School in 1948. In 1949, he married Margaret Jones; they later divorced. In 1981, he married Sharon (Bemer) Owens, with whom he shared 37 wonderful years until her passing in 2018.

Bob did a hitch in the U.S. Navy from 1949-50, serving on a destroyer in the Pacific. Remaining in the Naval Reserves until 1956, he was an instructor at the Naval Reserve Center in Cedar Rapids, IA. He worked at Myers Elevator in McGregor from 1951-52. Moving to Cedar Rapids in 1952, he worked at Rockwell Collins until retiring in 1986. While at Rockwell, he was the manager of his department for 8-1/2 years.

Bob began collecting antique firearms in 1965 and managed 41 collector shows in Cedar Rapids over a 16-year period. At one time he owned one of the largest Civil War gun collections in Iowa. His vast knowledge of historic and collectible firearms was greatly respected and sought after by many fellow collectors throughout the years. Bob learned to fly in 1970, doing solo flights from Cedar Rapids to Prairie du Chien. He enjoyed playing guitar and played in a small group for several years. He and his wife, Sharon, operated a taxidermy studio while living near Eastman, WI. Both Bob and Sharon volunteered their time as interpretive guides at Villa Louis. Together, they also participated in War of 1812 reenactments as members of the Prairie du Chien Militia. Throughout his life, Bob was an ardent outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trapping. But his very favorite thing was to be in his boat fishing on the Mississippi River.

Bob is survived by his stepchildren: Kim (Larry) Musil of Cedar Rapids, IA; Boyd (Jennifer) of Hammond, WI; and Brian of Prairie du Chien; brother, Ronald of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; and many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Sharon, and his brother, Richard.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the doctors and staff of Crossing Rivers Health Hospital & Clinic and Prairie Maison Nursing Home for the excellent care provided to Bob. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.