Janet Rae Harris

Janet Rae Harris, 85, of Urbandale, passed away on June 28, 2026. Visitation will be Monday, July 6, 2026, beginning at 4:00 p.m. and ending with a rosary at 6 p.m. at McLaren’s Chapel 801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA. A private graveside service for family will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made in honor of Janet to Hospice of the Midwest.

Jan was born in Lincoln, Nebraska to Elmer and Theresa Larsen on October 13, 1940. Shortly after graduating from St. Pius X High School in 1958, she moved with her parents to Des Moines, Iowa, where she would remain the rest of her life.

Jan was a woman of fine tastes, who appreciated good books, traveling to exotic locations (if there was a warm beach involved, so much the better) and especially music. In 1962, the latter passion led her to a job at KIOA, a Des Moines radio station, where she met Mel Harris, who became her husband of 57 Years.

Jan laughed a lot and enjoyed swapping stories over a pint of beer or a glass of fine wine. She passed along her appreciation of the arts and her passion for animals to both of her children, who greatly appreciated the gift. She cherished the family tradition of spending summers relaxing on beautiful Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina: Vacationing on that idyllic location with friends and loved ones was a little slice of heaven for her.

Jan was preceded in death by her husband Melvin, her mother Theresa and her father Elmer. She is survived and remembered fondly by her two children Brian (Anne) Harris and Roxanne (Tim) Mason.