Valerie Harries Shakopee, Minnesota Obituary

Valerie Harries

Valerie Harries, age 62, of Prior Lake, MN, born on October 1, 1959, in Oshkosh, WI, died on Wednesday, November 24, 2021. Val suffered from ALS for 2 years. Val is survived by husband, Bruce; sons, David and Brent (Alyssa McMullen); daughter, Beth (Corey Miller); father, Warren McRae; sister, Marge McRae; brother, Bryan McRae. She started her day with a Diet Coke and ended it with a Chardonnay. An avid runner, biker and yogi, she arose at 4 am most days to get in a 10 mile run, or swim laps for an hour, before coming home and getting ready for work. Weekends were about "what can I accomplish around the house", much to the chagrin of her family. She was disciplined in work, house cleaning, and exercise. She received commendation from her employer American Airlines for going 10 years without a sick day, an accomplishment of which she was proud. She was also proud of her time at Ziegler Cat. She had a bright smile, and a positive outlook that made everyone in contact with her feel better. Once formed, her opinions were firmly held, whether about a certain politician, or vile strawberry cream oatmeal. She used to preach to the kids, No Pity Parties Allowed. When facing this horrible disease, she pretty well stayed with that philosophy. In the moments when she would start to cry about her situation (can you blame her?), she would sniffle a bit and then say "I'll get a grip". She participated in a clinical trial of an ALS drug. Though the frequent lengthy visits to the U were increasingly tiring, she was very proud of sticking with the trial, knowing the research could help others, even if it didn't help her. Giving to the very end. Visitation Sunday, November 28, 2021, from 4-7 PM, at McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation, 1220 3rd Avenue East, Shakopee, 952-445-2755. Visitation also Monday, November 29, from 1-2 PM, at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, 3611 North Berens Road NW, Prior Lake, followed by a Celebration of Val's Life at 2 PM. *Masks will be required at Shepherd of the Lake* Livestreaming of the service can be viewed on the McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/McnearneyFuneralHomeAndCremationServices/">Click here for the live stream</a> Condolences may be shared at www.mcnearneyfuneralhome.com
October 1, 1959 - November 24, 202110/01/195911/24/2021
Share Obituary:

Share a memory

Add to your memory
Photos/Video
Candle
Mementos

Obituary

Valerie Harries, age 62, of Prior Lake, MN, born on October 1, 1959, in Oshkosh, WI, died on Wednesday, November 24, 2021. Val suffered from ALS for 2 years. Val is survived by husband, Bruce; sons, David and Brent (Alyssa McMullen); daughter, Beth (Corey Miller); father, Warren McRae; sister, Marge McRae; brother, Bryan McRae. She started her day with a Diet Coke and ended it with a Chardonnay. An avid runner, biker and yogi, she arose at 4 am most days to get in a 10 mile run, or swim laps for an hour, before coming home and getting ready for work. Weekends were about "what can I accomplish around the house", much to the chagrin of her family. She was disciplined in work, house cleaning, and exercise. She received commendation from her employer American Airlines for going 10 years without a sick day, an accomplishment of which she was proud. She was also proud of her time at Ziegler Cat. She had a bright smile, and a positive outlook that made everyone in contact with her feel better. Once formed, her opinions were firmly held, whether about a certain politician, or vile strawberry cream oatmeal. She used to preach to the kids, No Pity Parties Allowed. When facing this horrible disease, she pretty well stayed with that philosophy. In the moments when she would start to cry about her situation (can you blame her?), she would sniffle a bit and then say "I'll get a grip". She participated in a clinical trial of an ALS drug. Though the frequent lengthy visits to the U were increasingly tiring, she was very proud of sticking with the trial, knowing the research could help others, even if it didn't help her. Giving to the very end. Visitation Sunday, November 28, 2021, from 4-7 PM, at McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation, 1220 3rd Avenue East, Shakopee, 952-445-2755. Visitation also Monday, November 29, from 1-2 PM, at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, 3611 North Berens Road NW, Prior Lake, followed by a Celebration of Val's Life at 2 PM. *Masks will be required at Shepherd of the Lake* Livestreaming of the service can be viewed on the McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation Facebook page Click here for the live stream Condolences may be shared at www.mcnearneyfuneralhome.com

To plant a tree in memory of Valerie Harries, please visit our Tribute Store.

Events

Nov
28
Visitation
Sunday, November 28 2021
04:00 PM - 07:00 PM
McNearney - Schmidt Funeral and Cremation
1220 3rd Avenue East
Shakopee, MN 55379
Get Directions
View MapTextEmail
Nov
29
Visitation
Monday, November 29 2021
01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church
3611 North Berens Road NW
Prior Lake, MN 55379
Get Directions
View MapTextEmail
*Masks will be required*
Nov
29
Celebration of Life
Monday, November 29 2021
02:00 PM
Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church
3611 North Berens Road NW
Prior Lake, MN 55379
Get Directions
View MapTextEmail
*Masks will be required*