Harkness, Dr. John William "Jack" Oct 21 1924 - Nov 23 2021 We mourn the loss of a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Jack was a retired pediatrician who spread joy to all who knew him. Jack was a fierce tennis player, nimble dance partner, graceful golfer, talented painter, ardent trout fisherman, joyful singer, world traveler, daring bridge player, conductor of Christmas carols, astute birdwatcher, and a skilled player of the recorder. He loved and was loved deeply and will be sorely missed. Jack was born in what is now Mozambique to missionary educators Kenneth and Marguerite. When Jack was 6 the family moved to South Dakota where he graduated high school. He attended UC Berkeley and UC Medical school and completed his pediatric residency at Children's Hospital in Milwaukee. In 1950 Jack served as a US Army captain in Japan, caring for the children of the Occupation Forces. In Tokyo, he met and married Grace Underwood in 1952. Soon after, the couple moved to Wauwatosa, WI where he practiced pediatrics. They had 5 children. Jack and Grace were active members of their church. Shocked at the racial injustices in Milwaukee, they joined the NAACP and ACLU, advocating for fair housing and civil rights. In the 1960s, Jack worked for the Peace Corps in the Philippines (62-64) and Washington DC (68-69). He also served as the Dean of the Marquette School of Medicine. The family moved to Minneapolis when Jack was appointed Director of Pediatrics of Group Health (now Health Partners). Later he became Group Health Medical Director. His greatest joy and satisfaction in his work was helping children and families. Jack and Grace traveled the world together. Jack took any opportunity to get Grace on a dance floor. He hiked every inch of the Black Hills, SD, identified every bird, and caught, cleaned, and cooked countless trout for family dinners. He was an attentive father and grandfather, teaching wisdom, patience, humor, and kindness by example. Jack was active at Lake Harriet United Methodist Church and practiced Christianity by working for justice and treating all people with respect and kindness. He joyfully and humbly pursued his many interests, advocated for quality and affordable health care, and supported civic and political efforts to expand justice, peace and care for the environment. In April 2021, Jack and Grace celebrated 69 years of marriage. Jack is preceded in death by his siblings Kenneth Jr, James, Jeanne, and Tom. He is survived by his wife Grace, brother Don (Mary), children Jeanne (Robert Detrick, deceased), Holly (Steven Marshall), Julie Konrardy (Bill), John (Lizette Bartholdi), and Jim (Maureen Ramirez); grandchildren Lily, Max, RJ (Sally), Alex, Etta, Beau, and Bridget. His first great grandchild Lela Grace was born in May 2021. In lieu of flowers the family request memorial donations to Lake Harriet United Methodist Church, the NAACP, or Roberts Bird Sanctuary. Services to be announced.

Published on November 28, 2021