Marshall Harris

Marshall Edward Harris, 76, of La Quinta, California died unexpectedly on March 4, 2024. He passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at Desert Regional Hospital in Palm Springs, California.

Marshall was born on December 11, 1947 to John and Virginia (Walters) Harris in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He graduated from Altoona High School in 1965, played basketball at UW – Eau Claire, and then served in the Army National Guard. Upon completion of his service, he began a life of entrepreneurship by starting his first company, Happy Harry’s Auto Body in Altoona, Wisconsin. From there, his businesses grew to include multiple auto body repair and alignment shops, radio stations, music festivals, and 25+ years of residential and commercial real estate and hotel development projects throughout the Palm Springs desert and PGA West community.

Marshall loved the taste of canned corn and Swanson TV dinners, the smell of fresh paint on a car’s fender, the sound of revved up Harley’s on his 20+ trips to Sturgis, and the look of a vintage Corvette at the Barrett Jackson auction.

Was never on time, but always called loved ones at just the right time. Never hit a new golf ball. Always forgot to fully pay-off lost golf wagers, especially to Canadians. Was known to store large items of almost zero value on other people’s property. Always gave the right amount of advice at precisely the right time. Never saw an entrepreneurial opportunity that didn’t intrigue him. His charismatic personality was contagious and his presence at a party was what everyone remembered. He will be deeply missed by all. 

Marshall is survived by his best friend and beloved wife of over 36 years, Betty Harris; her daughter Michelle Brunswick (Jerry), his sons Paul Harris (Kristen), Andrew Harris (Lisa), and Timothy Harris (Katherine) and their mother Yvonne Foss; brother John Harris (Dianne), sister Ruth Munden (Scott) and half-sister Jan Rejman (Edward); grandchildren Grace, Taylor, Vanessa, Myla, Elyse, Miles, and Parker.

He is preceded in death by his mother Virginia Harris, father John Harris, and infant brother, Joseph Harris. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 15, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1812 Lynn Ave., Altoona, Wisconsin with Fr. Greg Bohren officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until time of service.  Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Eau Claire, WI. There will be a Celebration of Marshall for Family and Friends in La Quinta at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School and Church in Altoona, Wisconsin.