Harlan Fay Ware

Harley was born in Baraboo, Wisconsin to Fay and Evelyn (Mason) Ware. He was raised and lived in Baraboo, WI. during his early life. During his childhood he learned the love of hunting and fishing from his father Fay and grandfather, William Ware. Harley continued his hunting and especially his passion for fishing for the rest of his life. Harley’s grandmother, Addie Ware, was an avid gardener and had a big influence on his love of gardening. Harley planted his vegetable and flower gardens every year and loved to share his annual harvest with family and friends.

In 1952 Harley graduated from Baraboo High School. In September of 1952 Harley worked for Wisconsin Power and Light until August of 1953. During 1953 he met his future wife, Dorothy Luther. Harley entered college in the fall of 1953 and graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. During his years in college he played on the UW Stevens Point basketball team.

Harley was united in marriage to Dorothy Luther on August 3, 1957, at the Baraboo Methodist Church, in Baraboo, Wisconsin. In August of 1958 after Harley graduated from college, the happy couple moved to Antioch, IL. to begin Harley’s career in education with the Antioch Grade School District 34 as an elementary teacher, grades K-8. He worked as a teacher and coached boys’ basketball and track while raising their three children. He refereed the boys’ grade school basketball games and was an umpire for Antioch Little League baseball program. Harley always had summer jobs between school years working in a school maintenance position, retail, recreational park maintenance and house painting.

Harley attended night school to complete his MA Degree in Educational Supervision and Administration at Roosevelt University. He graduated with his MA Degree in June 1970. This led him to be selected as the next Principal of Antioch Grade School. Harley held this position until his retirement in 1992 at the age of fifty-seven with 34 years of service. During his tenure he served on multiple Boards of Directors, The Salvation Army, Antioch Library, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America and Antioch Historical Society. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited and Illinois Principals Association. After his retirement Harley signed up as a substitute teacher for several years.

Harley and Dorothy enjoyed traveling on cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean and Hawaii. They also toured Western Canada by train, took many vacation trips to Branson, MO. and of course, many fishing trips to Wisconsin and Minnesota, and hunting trips to Wisconsin and Arkansas. They also vacationed many times in Florida with friends and family. They made many trips to visit their children and grandchildren as their children relocated to New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Canada, Virginia, and Texas.

They also volunteered for Meals on Wheels through the United Methodist Church of Antioch, where they were members of the congregation.

Harley was an avid sports fan and had to have a daily newspaper to check the latest scores and horse racing results. He loved his trips to the track to bet on horse or dog racing and to pull the lever on slot machines at casinos. Harley was a diehard Green Bay Packers, Chicago Cubs and Wisconsin Badgers fan. He was the ultimate armchair coach, quarterback and referee and always voiced his opinions loudly!

In 2016 Harley and Dorothy moved to Ohio to be closer to family. They made new friends and were able to spend much time with family. Over time Harley became a fan of The Ohio State University Buckeyes attending many football games with his son-in-law. However, if the Buckeyes were playing the Wisconsin Badgers in any sport, he supported his alma mater.

Harley is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Roswell and Anna Mason, his paternal grandparents William and Addie Ware, parents Fay and Evelyn Ware, uncle Lester Ware, aunts Mable Hammermeister and Hazel Voss and mother-in-law Ruby Luther.

Harley is survived by his loving wife Dorothy of 67 years, daughter Deanna (John) Davis, sons Michael Ware and Alan Ware, grandchildren Adam and Natalie Davis, Austin Mistretta, Caitlin, Kristin and Collin Ware, Sophia and Haley Ware.

The family wishes to acknowledge the support provided to Harley and his family by the staff at Wesley Woods of New Albany, Ohio.

Donations in Harley’s memory can be made to your charity of choice or The Antioch Historical Society, antiochhistoricalmuseum.org. Information about a celebration of Harley’s life will be announced later.