Harry Emerson Watts Jr.

Harry Emerson Watts Jr, 84, passed away on July 7, 2021 at his home in Barnes, Wisconsin.

Harry was born in Zion, Illinois to Harry Emerson and Grace Marion Watts on July 18, 1936. He graduated from Zion-Benton High School in 1954. He attended the Stout Institute, Menomonie, WI from 1954-1956. Then Harry began active duty in the US Navy, training on aircraft carriers USS Forrestal and USS Saratoga; Harry was honorably discharged in 1958. He re-enrolled, graduating from Stout State University in 1961 with a B.S. degree in Industrial Education. Harry was a graphic communications instructor at the Wisconsin School for Boys, Wales, WI from 1961-1968. He completed a M.S. degree in Vocational Education at the University of Wisconsin, Stout in 1966. After post-graduate study at the University of Wisconsin, he taught graphic communications at the University of Minnesota, Duluth from 1968-72, and at Hennepin Technical College, Brooklyn Park, MN from 1972-1977. Harry returned to the University of Minnesota, Duluth in 1977 until retirement in 2000 as Associate Professor Emeritus. The International Association of Printing House Craftsmen presented Harry with several honor awards for his educational efforts and achievements, including designing many computer programs.

Harry's hobbies included woodworking, fishing and golfing. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Janine on road and train trips, especially on world cruises visiting all the continents. Antarctica and the Amazon River were his two favorite destinations.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.

Harry is survived by his wife, Janine; two daughters and a son-in-law, Renee Watts of Eugene, OR and Michelle and Luke Bienfang of Bellevue, WA; granddaughters, Alyssa and Emily Bienfang; brother, Richard Watts; sister, Mary Leight; and several nieces and nephews.

The family extends their gratitude to the Duluth Essentia Hospice, especially Amy Simpson, for their committed and kind care of Harry Watts.

Visitation will be held at 9:30 am on Friday, July 16, 2021 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 10586 Dakota Ave, Hayward, WI, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am.

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