Obituaries : Harold Duane Risner

Harold D. Risner, 81, died Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 at the Lutheran Home in Vinton.

     Visitation will be held from 10-11 AM, Saturday, December 13th, 2025 at Phillips Funeral Home, Keystone, followed by a private family funeral service and interment.    

     Harold was born August 5th, 1944 to Henry C. Risner Jr. and Minnie (Phillips) Risner at Thayer, Missouri. He spent his early years in Missouri and Arkansas. Harold completed 8th grade at Garrison, Iowa and then worked for several Benton County Farmers. His main career was with the Iowa DOT. He worked 32 years all in Highway Maintenance with Benton County. Harold married Sylvia Fay Bullock in June 1964. They were parents to Harold Duane Jr., and Andy and Kathleen who died at birth. Harold and Sylvia Fay loved their acreage and home in rural Keystone. They raised sheep, goats, chickens, and farm cats. They had a large garden and fruit trees that kept them busy.

     All the nieces and nephews loved to come stay at the farm. Harold loved to grill out for company and then sit on their wrap around porch for spring, summer, and autumn visits. He was known for always “having the coffee pot on.” He also enjoyed fishing and hunting.

     Harold is survived by his son, Harold Duane (Beverly Latham) Risner Jr.; brother, Aubrey (Mary Knee) Risner of Belle Plaine; brother-in-law, John (Diana) Bullock of Cedar Rapids; sisters, Helen (Virgil) Witt of Belle Plaine, and Kathy Wisecarver of State Center; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

     Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia Fay; his parents, Henry and Minnie Risner; his children, Kathleen and Andy Dale Risner; sister-in-law, Connie Risner; brother-in-law, Jerry Wisecarver; Father and mother in-law, William and Sylvia Bullock; brother and sister-in-law Bill and Minnie Bullock.

Condolences can be left at www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com