Harvey Jammer

Rock Rapids, Iowa Harvey Jammer, age 99 of Rock Rapids, IA died Sunday, February 20, 2011 at Rock Rapids Health Centre in Rock Rapids, IA. Memorial service will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, February 24th at United Methodist Church in Rock Rapids, IA. Private family burial will take place prior to the service at the Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids, IA. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 23rd from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Jurrens Funeral Home in Rock Rapids. Harvey William Jammer was born December 3, 1911 in Rock Rapids, IA to August and Agnes (Stuerman) Jammer. He attended country school and graduated from Rock Rapids High School. In his younger days before marriage Harvey helped his father on the family farm. One of the things that occupied his time as a young man was playing for one of the small town baseball teams in our local area. An interesting fact was that August Jammer, Harveys father, was on the same team. They are in the same team photograph and August is suited up as a manager for their team, The Midway Tigers. Dance ballrooms were all the rage in those days and Harvey was one of a group of young people from the area who would frequently attend these events. It also happened that Alyce Lewis from Larchwood was also in this group of young people. Alyce went away to school to become a teacher and Harvey continued to help on the family farm. Upon her return she got a job teaching in Larchwood and began dating Harvey. But due to the rule that teachers could not be married, she and Harvey secretly traveled to Galina, IL and she became Mrs. Harvey Jammer. The couple kept their marriage secret for a year and a half so Alyce would not lose her job. The couple lived on two farms in the area before they took over the family farm when August retired. Harvey and Alyce were very social people. They spent many fun hours playing cards in their neighborhood pitch club. A card club that was in existence with the same families and met every other Friday night from 1920 until 2001. Harvey loved farming both crops and livestock, until an unfortunate accident forced his retirement in 1966. From his Doctors recommendation for rehab, Harvey began playing golf. He and Alyce both were on bowling teams as mens and womens leagues as well as couples. Being a quiet and humble man, Harvey probably wouldnt want it to be known that he was awarded several trophies over the years in both sports. He was also an avid Hawkeye fan. He watched and listened to many games. His family will remember him as a loving and engaging man. Harvey was innovative and well read. He could converse on almost any topic of discussion right up to his passing. This past Sunday morning, Harvey Jammer died at the Rock Rapids Health Centre at the age of 99. He will be greatly missed. Harvey is survived by his children; daughter, Barbara Bordenkircher of Upland, CA; son, Roger (Sandra) Jammer of Coon Rapids, MN; 4 grandchildren, Forrest, Taryn, Scott and Heidi; and 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, August and Agnes (Stuerman) Jammer; and his wife Alyce Jammer.