Michael W. Harper

Michael William Harper, age 69, of Savanna, Illinois, died Friday, November 2, 2012, at his home. Cremation rites will be accorded. A Celebration of his Life will begin with a memorial visitation from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, at the Law–Jones Funeral Home in Savanna, IL. It will be followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences and memorial tributes may be left for the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.Mike was born August 10, 1943, in Rugby, North Dakota, the son of Ambert Ira and Laura Nettie (Varner) Harper. He graduated from Rugby High School. Mike then proudly served in the United States Navy. He married Sandra Drege on December 27, 1966, in Rugby, North Dakota. After his service to his country, Mike graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1969.Mike worked for the Department of Defense for over forty years, stationed throughout the U.S. and Germany. Most recently, he was the Chief Historical Researcher for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Rock Island District at the Rock Island Arsenal. It was there that he co-authored "Environmental Cleanup at Former and Current Military Sites: A Guide to Research," which can be found in the U.S. Library of Congress. He was a 32nd degree Mason. Mike was a food, fine wine and beer connoisseur who always looked forward to experiencing new cuisines with his family and friends. He enjoyed traveling and visited every state in the U.S. with the exception of Hawaii. He especially loved spoiling and playing with his grandchildren.
Mike is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, Sandra Harper of Savanna, Illinois; one daughter, Tara (Jon) Keesey of Sterling, Illinois; one son, Shannon (Renee) Harper of Chicago, Illinois; three grandchildren, Kathleen, Claire, and Cooper Keesey; three brothers, Bud Harper of Rugby, North Dakota, Gil (Sheila) Harper of Rugby, and Guy (Lynn) Harper of Jamestown, North Dakota; his mother–in–law, Helen Drege of Rugby; and many nieces and nephews.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his father–in–law, Lester Drege; his sister - in - law, Dalys Harper; and his nephew, Brandon Drege.