Harris Kukla Jr.

Harris Kukla passed away on May 3, 2025, at Missouri Slope Care Center in Bismarck, ND at the age of 82. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at the Bismarck Funeral Home. The burial service at Fairview Cemetery will follow.

Harris Kukla was born on August 7, 1942, in Dickinson, ND, to Harris H. and Katie (Dirkach) Kukla. He was raised on a family farm south of Killdeer, ND with two brothers and five sisters.

Harris went to a rural school for his elementary education and then transferred to the high school in Killdeer. It was here that Harris met Eileen (Bullinger) Kukla, his future wife. Following high school, he attended the State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND where he studied auto mechanics. After graduation, Harris worked for one year at a garage in Halliday, ND. He then attained a job as a bulk delivery driver for Standard Oil Co. in Killdeer.

Harris and Eileen were married on January 23, 1965 and made their home in Killdeer. They had two children Marlin and Shelly. In 1969, Harris and Eileen moved their family to Garrison, ND and purchased the Standard Oil Station. Through the next 50 years, they changed businesses and eventually owned E & H Oil Company – a service station and oil company. They sold their company to Cenex in April of 1994. Harris drove a bulk delivery truck for Cenex until he retired. In 1982, they built a carwash, which Harris maintained until 2021, before moving to Bismarck.

Harris was good-natured and always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He always took pride in his family, work, and home. Outdoor activities were his favorite, whether it was sitting on the deck, fishing, hunting, camping, mowing, or even driving the side-by-side. Harris enjoyed these activities even more with friends and family. Following his retirement, he spent many afternoons visiting with anyone who stopped by the carwash. He also enjoyed spending winters in (the much warmer) Yuma, Arizona and making new friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Eileen; sisters, Ruth Jordan, Inez Bobb, and Edna Lawhead; son, Marlin (Ramona) and their children Nick and Kyle; and daughter, Shelly (Todd) Trueblood and their children Tanner (Sara) and Taryn (JamesGuy).

Harris was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; and two brothers.