Mass of Christian Burial for Harry VanLishout, 78, of Mott, ND will be Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Vincent's Catholic Church in Mott. Fr. Charles Zins will officiate and burial will follow at the Sunnyslope Cemetery. Visitations will be from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 26 at St. Vincent's Catholic Church and one hour prior to the services on Wednesday morning. A Rosary/Vigil service will be at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the Church.


Harry VanLishout was born and raised in Mott on February 26, 1931 to Charles and Minnie (Auen) VanLishout. His whole life, he enjoyed living and farming as the third generation on the family homestead. After a long days work he always spent time with the family dog on the porch. Harry was involved in many organizations, he served in several positions on the Beery Township, was a United Plainsman, a Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus, the Senior class president, a Chairman for the Mott Museum/Gallery, on the Mott Equity Board, Knights of Columbus, and drove school bus for 12 years.


Harry loved to travel, history, and enjoyed researching the family genealogy. He spent endless hours at the Mott Museum/Gallery and found enjoyment sharing stories with his kids and grandkids.


Harry was a kind gentle spirit with a strong faith. His only wishes were for a button to push so he could get his kids to do what he wanted, and that all his family belonged to a church community.


As a father and grandfather he shared interest in all of their lives, even proudly attending his grandsons punk rock concerts. In all, his highlights were singing, dancing, spending time with his family and dancing with Theckla, the love of his life.


Harry passed away at the West River Regional Medical Center in Hettinger, ND on Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010 due to medical complications from battling cancer for 11 years.


Harry will be forever in the hearts of his wife of 56 years, Theckla; sons, Gene (Judy), Chuck (Jocey), Harry Lynn (Lori), daughters, Sandy (Jim) and Linda (Robbie); 15 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; brother, John (Evelyn) VanLishout and a sister, Jeanette (Dan) Glasser and many special brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. Harry was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law.


In lieu of flowers, in honor of Harry, memorials will be used to create a mural at the Mott Museum/Gallery.