Harry J. Exner Jr., 84

Harry Jerome Exner Jr., 84, of Red Wing, died Friday, March 1, at the Seminary Home in Red Wing.

He was born Feb. 3, 1929, in LaMoure, N.D., to Harry and Gladys (Walby) Exner, and graduated high school in Fargo. He met the love of his life, Ruthe Mae Owen, and they married on Oct. 15, 1950, in Oronoco, Minn. Working in sales all his life, he learned the tire business at Nelson Tire in Rochester, Minn. Harry and Ruthe moved to Red Wing in 1960 and purchased Johnson Tire. Harry would spend the next 52 years building the business while raising their six children.

His love and commitment to family was endless, and he was always present to lend his wisdom and support. Harry was an avid outdoorsman and spent many years hunting and fishing with friends and family. His family recalls the wonderful family times they had at Idlewild Resort on Lake Kabatogama. He was a former member of the Red Wing Elks BPOE #845 and Rotary Club and a current member of First Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by his wife, Ruthe; children Cathy (Alan) Novek of Frontenac, Jean (Michael) Mobraten of Hager City, Cindy (Wayne) Betcher of Welch, Harry "Bob" (Renae) Exner of Red Wing, and Scott Exner of Elk Mound, Wis.; 20 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dennis Norton; daughter Marcia Jane Exner; and a grandson, Harry Raymond Exner.

Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Friday, March 8, at First Presbyterian Church, with The Reverend Dr. David Reiter officiating. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday, March 7, at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel, and for 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are preferred to the church or donor's choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.

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