Michael Lee Harrison

After a great day of fishing at Swanson Reservoir, Trenton, NE, on Thursday, September 7, 2023, Michael “Mike” Lee Harrison, 68, docked his boat one last time. 

A 46-year resident of Sherman County, Kansas, Mike was born in McCook, Nebraska on June 6, 1955.   Mike was the oldest child of Donald and Fredora (nee Wilson) Harrison of Stratton, Nebraska. Mike grew up on the family farm 11 miles north of Stratton, cultivating his lifelong love of farming, ranching and Native American history in the region. He attended grade school at the Eden Community School, then junior and senior high at Stratton High School, graduating with the class of 1973.  He participated in all sports and the marching band, playing his baritone saxophone.  Mike was looking forward to attending his 50 year class reunion later this month. 

Mike met his future bride, Marla Kay Finegan, in Goodland, KS, in 1976, and the couple were married on January 8, 1977, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Goodland.  They established a farming and cattle operation in Sherman County.  In September of 1979 their older son, Mark, joined the farm crew, followed in January of 1983 with the birth of  Bradley, as the second farm hand. 

Mike was a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, recently serving on the church council.  He also belonged to the Goodland Elks Lodge and several agricultural groups.  He particularly enjoyed his years with the Sunflower Spinners, the antique tractor pulling club. 

In addition to farming and ranching, Mike owned a semi-truck and trailer sales business in Goodland for approximately 10 years.  He transitioned to farm equipment sales, finally returning to his passion of farming and ranching.  He was able to retire and pursue his favorite hobby of fishing in the Spring of 2023.  

When not working or fishing, Mike read countless novels and studied pre-Columbian Native American History.  He enjoyed hunting and attending farm and antique sales, particularly those having antique farm equipment and watching the Broncos and Nebraska Cornhuskers.    

He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Fredora Harrison, his niece, Stacey Matson and his father-in-law Earl Finegan.

Mike is survived by his wife, Marla and son, Bradley, of the home, son Mark of Goodland, two grandchildren, his sisters Shari (Dennis) Youngs of McCook, NE, and Teresa (Mike) Brown of Stratton, Nebraska, and his brother, Don (Carey) Harrison also of Stratton, as well as several nieces and a nephew. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Evelyn Finegan of Goodland and his sister-in-law Karen (Craig) Zimmerman of Parker, CO.  

Memorial contributions may be designated to the Emmanuel Lutheran Church and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.