Eugene "Gene" Harms

Lake Park, IA        Eugene “Gene” Harms, age 74 of Lake Park, IA formerly of Little Rock, IA died unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at his home in Lake Park.        Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, June 25th at Salem Reformed Church in Little Rock, IA, with Pastor Dustin Sperlich officiating.        Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Little Rock, IA.        Visitation will be Friday, June 24th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley, IA.        Eugene “Gene” Harris Harms was born September 18, 1941 in Sibley, Iowa, the son of Donald and Lillian (Hindt) Harms. He grew up in Rushmore, MN and Little Rock, IA, graduating from Little Rock High School in 1959.        He was united in marriage to Geraldine “Geri” Faye Van Dyke on June 24, 1960 at the Presbyterian Church in Little Rock. The couple lived in Little Rock until the early 70’s. They lived in Hartley, IA, Lu Verne, IA, and Ellsworth, MN before moving back to Little Rock. In 2003, Gene and Geri retired and moved to Milford, IA. On January 16, 2009 Gene’s wife, Geri died after 48 years of marriage. He remained living in Milford for a short while, before moving to Lake Park, IA.        In Gene’s earlier work years he hauled milk and worked for Kruse Bro. Elevator in Little Rock. He later worked various jobs including janitor at Lu Verne and Ellsworth schools, Bar-Café in Little Rock, and as a salesman for Justice Bros. He most recently worked part time at the Milford Car Wash. He enjoyed dancing with Geri in the early years. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, puzzles, and spending time visiting and traveling with family and friends. Gene loved Sundays, which he spent listening to polka music.        He is survived by three children, Curt (wife, Lori) Harms of Lake Park, IA, Troy Harms of Lamberton, MN and Rhonda (husband Sam) Otten of Spink, SD; seven grandchildren, Jeremy of Lake Park, IA, Jessica (husband Dustin) Braun of Sibley, IA, Chace Harms and Logan Swanson of Lamberton, MN and Skylar, Kainan and Ashton Otten of Spink, SD; one great-grandchild, Alexis Braun of Sibley; one sister, Phyllis Kruger of Sibley, IA; one brother, Merle (wife, Lois) Harms of Story City, IA; one sister-in-law, Myrna Willemssen of Sibley, IA; and several nieces, nephews and other extended family.        He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Lillian Harms; loving wife, Geri Harms; an infant brother, Roger Allan Harms; and two brothers-in-law, Don Kruger and Gordy Willemssen.