In the early morning of Feb. 17, 2023, Harry Harper Pursel Jr. gently crossed to the “other side,” holding his daughter’s hand.
Harry was born in Santa Monica, California, on April 12, 1931, to Coletta (Schloesslin) and Harry Pursel. Harry Sr. moved the family several times before finally buying the Ike Walton on Yellow Lake, renaming it Pursel’s Resort. After graduating from Webster High School, where Harry played football and was proudly elected homecoming king, he joined the Merchant Marine and worked aboard iron ore vessels on the Great Lakes. When the Korean War began, Harry joined the Navy where he transmitted and interpreted Morse code aboard ship as a radioman 3. Harry was involved in the infamous nuclear testing on Bikini in the Marshall Islands and was formally recognized as an “atomic veteran.”
Harry met his wife, Marjorie, at a military dance on Treasure Island, near San Francisco. He always said that Marge was “the prettiest girl in the room,” and Marge always replied that Harry was “the best dancer.” The couple married on Dec. 11, 1955, and moved to San Luis Obispo, where Harry attended California Polytechnic State University and received his degree in electronic engineering using his GI Bill.
Harry loved his work and, for 35 years, traveled the globe doing it. He had a passion for engineering design and development and for putting that technology to work in defense of democracy, worldwide. As an engineering designer, Harry was a visionary. He spent his career at the leading edge of military avionics and anti-radiation missile technology. As an engineering manager, Harry was a natural leader who effortlessly commanded respect, admiration and loyalty from his team. He had a knack for bringing out the best in people and creating a positive work environment that fostered collaboration and creativity.
Harry was always a keen observer of people and valued each individual for their uniqueness. He accepted most folks with little judgement, a reason why so many sought his guidance. He was generous and caring, which he demonstrated not so much through words, but by private action. If you needed help, Harry had your “six.” He was a trusted mentor, a steadfast friend, and a loving husband, father and brother. Harry loved Churchill, Kipling, blueberry pie and a good chocolate shake. He thrived in the outdoors and throughout his life was an avid skier, backpacker, fisherman and hunter, which he enjoyed with his beloved dogs, Shiloh, Kuna and Crawford. It was Harry’s love for the outdoors and his desire to spend the remainder of his life with old friends that brought Marjorie and him back to Wisconsin in 2005 to live in the North Woods full time. Harry so often said, “I’ve lived a really good life … I mean a REALLY good life!” And so he did.
Harry is survived by his daughter, Kathleen Pursel Cutshall, and her husband, Dale; his brother, Joe Pursel, and his wife, Naomi; his brother-in-law, Merle Larson, and his wife, Virginia; his sister-in-law, Karen Parker; their families; and so many good friends.
A celebration of Harry’s life will be held Saturday, July 1, at his place on Tanda Lake. Coffee and sweets will be served starting at 10 a.m., with the formal memorial beginning at 11 a.m. A casual lunch will follow. All who knew him and would like to join friends and family remembering Harry are encouraged to attend. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, the St. Luke’s Duluth Foundation, or the Humane Society of Burnett County. Harry and Marjorie will be interred together at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery near Spooner, Wisconsin.
