John Richard Harrison

It is with the deepest sadness that the family announces the passing of their dear brother, uncle, nephew and cousin, John R. Harrison on January 23, 2021. He died at his home in North Prairie, Wisconsin, of a sudden massive heart attack. John was the beloved son of Robert Lewis and Beverly Gralow-Harrison, both deceased.

John was born on November 21, 1962, and grew up in Mount Prospect, Illinois, in a brick ranch house that his dad built. The youngest of 6 children, John was blessed with a great sense of fun and adventure. He even made fun of doing his Saturday chores, taking out all the house trash while wearing grandma’s apron and his favorite funny, floppy “Hillbilly” hat.  John was a sensitive soul and felt things deeply, whether he showed it or not.  He had even at a very young age, such a sense of confidence and feelings of self worth and acceptance. You could always count on John to make you laugh or smile.

John graduated from Forest View High School, Arlington Heights, Illinois, in 1981. After working for his dad’s masonry business as well a several other jobs, John took an interest in home brewing.  He became an assistant brewer at Wisconsin Brewing Company. In 1998, he earned a master brewers degree from the Siebolt Institute of Technology.  With a growing reputation as a fine brewer, he was asked to help open Delafield Brewhaus and to design their brewing system.

John was a world class brewer winning many Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. He belonged to numerous brew groups in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area.  John had many other interests as well. He enjoyed, fishing, gardening, watching the birds in his yard, traveling and camping. John never missed a year of Beer Camp.

He is survived by: Robert (Bob) Harrison (Janice) of Poway, CA. Joyce Harrison- Lindow (Rich) of Fredericktown, MO. Craig Harrison (Jennifer)of Indianapolis IN. Carrie Harrison-Mortimer (Doug) of San Diego, CA. Reid Harrison (Marleen) of Las Vegas, NV.  Further loved by many relatives and friends.

John contacted the COVID-19 virus and suffered from it and the residual effects on his health, for numerous months, from the mid to the end of 2020.

His laugh, his smile and his zest for life will truly be missed by all who knew him. There will be a “Celebration of Life”  for John that will be held at a later date when COVID restrictions are relaxed. We can then all raise a toast to John and party, just as he would have wanted it.

Please check back on  Informed Choice Website for any updates. The family welcomes your memories or pictures of John.