Donald E. Harner

Donald Elmer Harner, 84, of Lansing, NY, died peacefully on May 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after a short period of declining health.

Born on February 10, 1941, in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, Don grew up on a farm, where he learned the value of hard work—a principle he carried throughout his life. After graduating from Cornell University, he settled in the Lansing area and, in 1972, founded Harner Design & Construction. With an eye for detail and an unmatched work ethic, Don had a gift for creating—he could design just about anything on the back of a napkin and had a reputation for being able to fix whatever needed fixing. His work and wisdom left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege to know him.

Don was happiest when surrounded by family and especially loved his time at “the cabin,” a place of peace, laughter, and stories shared over generations.

He is survived by his wife, Emma (Zimmermann) Harner; his brother, James Harner; and his children: Deborah (Cliff) King, Kathleen (Darryle) Lee, Misty (Brad) Steffen, Jennifer (Harmon) Jones, Robert (Jill) Harner, Lauralee (John) Guttridge, and Dondi (Erin) Harner. He was a proud grandfather to Clifford King, Ashley Moreland, Alyssa and Jordan Lee, Mason, Chase, and Grace Harner, Hunter and Emily Jones, Zia Steffen, Ethan and Jasper Guttridge, and Caden, Nolan, and Damon Harner—and great-grandfather to seven and great-great-grandfather to one.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Donna Harner; his twin brothers, Kenneth and Richard Harner; his twin great-granddaughters, Hazel and Nora Harner; and his parents, George and Elsie (Smith) Harner.

In keeping with Don’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A celebration of his life will be held this summer at the family cabin, where stories, laughter, and memories will be shared in his honor. If interested in attending, please RSVP to don.celebration1941@gmail.com.

A private burial will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery in Lansing.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lansing Lions Club, where Don was an active member, PO Box 82, Lansing, NY 14882, or Pine Grove Cemetery, PO Box 232, Lansing, NY 14882.