OLIVET — John Harsch, 51, Lebo, died Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, near Olivet.
He was born Jan. 12, 1971, in Topeka, the son of Pat and Rita (Marshall) Harsch. He had lived most of his life in the Olivet community, graduating from Marais des Cygnes Valley High School. He then received his bachelor’s degree from Emporia State University.
He was president of Sustainable Environmental Consultants, a company focused on innovative sustainability solutions for food companies and the agricultural supply system. He was a founding board member and director of the Wright Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation. He also owned and operated a ranch near Olivet. He served his community as a member of the Marais des Cygnes Valley Board of Education, Osage County Fire District No. 3, Olivet City Council, and the Olivet/Lebo United Methodist Church. He also spent several years coaching his children’s sports teams.
John was known as a great listener, and his common-sense advice for friends and family was often delivered while doing chores or checking cattle, or during his travel for work. He had a special talent for showing his love and affection for others by bestowing a nickname or providing the right amount of teasing, such that the person knew he cared for them deeply.
He had a work ethic that was unparalleled. He dreamed of building a home with a beautiful lake view, owning a ranch, advancing the agriculture industry through his company, and raising great children. He accomplished all of this through his hard work and determination. From the time he was born, he owned at least one Labrador retriever that was always part of his family and more than just his dog. He loved watching the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, K-State Wildcats and any sport his children were playing.
John was united in marriage to Becky Allen May 25, 2013, in Las Vegas, Nev.
He is survived by his wife, Becky, of the home; two daughters, Masie and McKenzy Harsch, both of Olivet; two stepchildren, Brooke and Ryan Addleman, both of Olivet; his parents, Pat Harsch, Olivet, and Rita Harsch, Wamego; a sister, Emily Lehning (Jeremy), Westmoreland; a niece, Olivia Lehning, Westmoreland; and other relatives and friends.
A visitation will be 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 23, at the Feltner Funeral Chapel, Lyndon.
Memorial contributions may be made to the John Harsch Memorial Fund and sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451.
Condolences may be left at FeltnerFuneralHome.com.
