Harlan Harms

NOTICE: Rock Rapids, IA        Harlan Harms age 82 of Ellsworth, MN died Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at the Sanford Hospice Cottage in Luverne, MN.        Memorial service will be 3:00 PM Saturday, April 28, 2018 at the United Methodist Church in Rock Rapids with Rev. Kathy Sides officiating. A time of refreshments will follow in the church basement.        Family will be greeting guests from 2:00 PM until the time of service.        In lieu of flowers family wish memorials be directed to the Sanford Hospice Cottage in Luverne, MN at 304 N McKenzie St. Luverne, MN 56156.      Harlan Harms was born March 25, 1936 in George, IA the son of Wesley and Sophie (Van Briesen) Harms. He received his education at a country school near George and graduated from George High School. As a young man, Harlan helped his father on the farm and with his father’s trucking company. On July 3, 1957 Harlan was united in marriage to Shirley Akkerman at the Methodist Church in Rock Rapids. To this union three children were born, Jay, Lynn and Susan. The couple bought a farm west of Ellsworth, MN in 1968 and have lived there ever since. Harlan was active on the farm up until the spring of 2017. He was a true farmer through and through. Shirley not only raised their children but worked side by side with her husband on the farm. Their enterprise consisted of all facets of farming including milking, stock cows, hogs and crop farming. They would not have traded this life for anything. Harlan loved to go for rides in the evening and look at the crops. His children describe him as a man with wonderful character. He taught them many things over their growing years amongst them were the value of one’s word and the rewards of hard work. He could always be counted upon no matter what the situation. A man of firm faith and resolve, Harlan didn’t travel far from home due to having milk cows and responsibilities of the other livestock to tend to. When he got a chance he and Shirley would go for a relaxing time of fishing with their family and friends. He and his family attended State Line Church for many years until its closing. They then made the United Methodist Church in Rock Rapids their church home.      Harlan’s health began to fail and in December of 2017 he received bad news and was diagnosed with cancer. His journey finally took him to the Sanford Hospice Cottage in Luverne. He and his family were so very grateful to the staff for the excellent care they all received. Not only did they provide wonderful and loving care to Harlan but also to his family during such a trying time. It was there on April 17th that Harlan passed away at the age of 82. He will be greatly missed.        He is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Shirley Harms; son, Jay (Glenda) Harms of Brooklyn Park, MN and their children, Alex (Minori) of Tokyo, Japan and Lani Harms of New York, NY; son, Lynn (Pam) Harms of Apple Valley, MN and their children, Mitchell and Justin also of Apple Valley; daughter, Susan (Todd) Garrett of West Richland, WA and their daughter, Sadie; as well as other extended family members.        Harlan was preceded in death by his parents.