HERKIMER-Joseph G. Harrer age 88 of 105 Protection Avenue, formerly of East Herkimer, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning November 24, 2007 in Valley Health Services Inc. He had the comfort of his loving family surrounding him. He was born on April 11, 1919 in Herkimer, son of the late Henry Herman and Mae Weiler Harrer. A lifelong area resident, he was raised and educated in Herkimer. A proud veteran of World War II., he entered the US Army on April 22, 1943. He served with the 279th Port Co., 519th Port Battalion and 531st Special Brigade of Engineers in the European Theatre of Operations. He took part in the Northern France Campaign and the Normandy Invasion on Utah Beach. For his efforts he received the European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with a Bronze Arrow and two Battle Stars, the World War II Victory Medal, American Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, the French Croix deGuerre with Palm Cluster and Unit Award. He was honorably discharged on January 17, 1946 at Fort Dix, NJ attaining the rank of Private First Class and had served twenty-six months overseas. On September 4, 1943 he was united in marriage with the former Ruby Belle Bowman in the Christ Episcopal Church, Herkimer. A loving and devoted of union of sixty-two years, Mrs. Harrer preceded him in death on April 5, 2006. For forty three years Mr. Harrer was employed as a Grinder for Herkimer Tool & Model in Herkimer, retiring on June 15, 1984. Joe had a strong love for the outdoors and enjoyed camping. To his family there are many cherished memories of those camping trips and the good times spent at Caroga Lake. He loved the game of baseball and in his leisure time earned the title of a true die hard Yankee fan. To all who knew him, could tell, how happy he was to be among his many friends and family especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed. Surviving are his daughter Rebecca and her husband Dennis Shaut of Mohawk, a son Joseph and his wife Maureen Harrer of East Herkimer, five grandchildren, Jodi and her husband Daniel Rivers, Dennis and his wife Reagan Shaut, Joseph and his wife Sarah Harrer, James and his wife Carin Harrer and Jason Harrer along with eight great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents and wife Ruby Belle he was predeceased by five brothers. Funeral service will be on Tuesday at 11:00 am in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer. The Reverend Ann Zimmerman, Pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Herkimer will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends on Monday (today) from 4:00 until 7:00 pm. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Memorial Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The family of Mr. Harrer wishes to express their sincere appreciation to everyone at Valley Health Services Inc. for the care and compassion shown them during his stay there.