Edward Lee Harper

Edward Lee Harper, 85, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas..

Born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1940, in San Antonio, Texas, just outside Brackenridge Park, Edward was the son of Clarence Lee Harper Sr. and Candida (née Morales). A proud San Antonio native, he graduated from Southwest High School in 1960.

During middle school and high school, Edward and his family would load up the truck and travel to Wisconsin to work in the fields. After graduation, work was scarce in South Texas, so he moved to Wisconsin. Not long after arriving, he was drafted into the United States Army. He served honorably during the Vietnam era and was a disabled veteran. A few years later, he met the woman who would become his bride, Thelma.

Edward built a long career as a machine operator at Twin Disc Inc. in Racine, Wisconsin, where he worked for 44 years.

More than anything, Edward loved being with his family. He was happiest surrounded by the people he loved, and his face lit up whenever he saw one of his grandchildren or great-grandchildren. His family will remember the way he called them “knuckleheads,” a name that became one of his special signatures.

Edward is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Thelma (née Rivera); his daughters, Debra Ann Nieto (Rene), Susan Marie Langdon (Brian), and Barbara Jean Harper; his grandchildren, Samantha Nicole Harper, Jonathan Edward Adams, Destiny Elizabeth Harper, Noah Renzy Adams, Julian Andres Nieto, and Luca Sebastian Nieto; and his great-grandchildren, Harper Leigh Crank, Clara Grace Crank, Alejandro Tomás Harper, Remi Lou Crank, Colby Alexander Crank, and Mila Annalise Leza. He is also survived by many sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, JD, Claude, and David Harper; his parents-in-law, Mario N. Rivera Sr. and Dominga (née Zúñiga); his brothers-in-law, Mario Rivera Jr., Tom Hessel, and Richard Munoz; and his grandson-in-law, Benjamin Crank.

Edward’s family will carry forward his love, his stories, and the memories of a life centered on family.

“Be Cool”

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church (3126 95th St., Sturtevant, WI) from 10:30-11:45 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 noon. Burial with Full Military Honors to follow at West Lawn Cemetery.