In loving memory of

Jason Rolland Harper
January 16, 1967 - June 7, 2020

A public visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 25, 2020, at the Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton. No other services will be held.

Jason Rolland Harper, 53, of Hansell, passed away Sunday, June 7, 2020, at Franklin General Hospital in Hampton. He was born January 16, 1967, in Grundy Center, to Larry and Carolyn (McQueen) Harper.

Jason graduated from Hampton High School, class of 1985. He furthered his education at North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, receiving his Associate's Degree. Jason was united in marriage to Rebecca Brayton on December 31, 1991, in Hampton. To this union, a son and daughter were born: Colten and Jaelynn.

Over the years, Jason worked as a machinist at Hampton Hydraulics and Consolidated Energy. He was currently employed as the Franklin County Emergency Management Director. Jason was a member of the Hansell Fire Department and City Council, as well as serving as Mayor of Hansell. He enjoyed tinkering with old machines and cars, as well as figure-eight racing.

Jason is survived by his wife Becky Harper of Hansell; son Colten Harper of Hansell; daughter Jaelynn (Joey Bond) Harper of Manchester; aunts Darlene Vose, Arlene Crawford and Ellen Berryhill; mother-in-law Ruthann Brayton of Sheffield; brothers- and sisters-in-law Jeanne Weber of Mason City, Dale (Kathy) Brayton of Sheffield, Diane (Max) Wenck of Lidderdale, Patty (Bill) Binger of Sheffield, Jon Brayton of Ballston Lake, New York, and Jim (Kris) Brayton of Le Center, Minnesota; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Larry and Carolyn Harper, brother Larry Dean Harper Jr. and father-in-law W. Dale Brayton.

Tributes

Rich Paulsen wrote on Jul 20, 2020:

"I am so sorry to hear that Jason passed away. He was one of the few classmates who always, ALWAYS had a smile on his face, a joke or wisecrack to share and a laugh to let loose. His trombone playing skills... he always nailed his parts whether on solos or when Mr. Kuehner had everyone play a certain part of a song that was cauising the entire band a headache. And his sack of the QB against Clear Lake iced the game for us our senior year. Praying that God grants you comfort and peace during your difficult time."

Robert Kempf wrote on Jul 14, 2020:

"We are so sorry for the loss of your father and husband. Although Jason was new to the EMA Coordinators position, he was no stranger to the emergency services family. We hold our family close and even closer in a time of need. Please know that Jeremy and I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Adair & Guthrie County EMA"

Laura Quintus wrote on Jun 27, 2020:

"Becky, no words can express you and your families loss. Our hearts go out to you and will keep you in our prayers. ?"

Darlene Holst wrote on Jun 22, 2020:

"Becky Ian so sorry for your loss. If you need to talk or anything let me I will be here for you cuz"

Lisa Pralle Bennett wrote on Jun 14, 2020:

"I was a classmate of Jason and I have many memories of him. We always had a great time in Ag class with Mr. Flint. Jason was always a respectful classmate. He always had a smile on his face and such a thoughtful guy. Looking at all his accomplishments in life, doesn?t surprise me at all. He had a big heart!! I?m sorry for your loss and know God is with you through this difficult time. Lisa Pralle Bennett"

Dennis Harper wrote on Jun 11, 2020:

"To Becky and Family: I am so sorry for the loss of your father and husband. Jason is one of my very best friends and has been for as long as I can remember. From camping trips and river fishing when we were 10 or 12 years old, to pingpong in his garage, to working on tractors and trucks and cars, to showing cattle together, playing football, driving too fast, double dating, roommates .... etc. We had a bond that never changed even as our life paths did. I said many times in conversation with Jason (in fact just recently) that it was a darn good thing he was ALOT smarter than he looked,,lol. But I always respected Jason... he is one of the smartest and nicest people I have ever met and I loved him like a brother, though we would have never told each other that. On a lighter note - Jason was involved in some of the funniest events I have ever witnessed in my life. On one occasion when we were about 12 years old and river fishing we ended up on opposite sides of the river miles from a place to cross. Somehow, I convinced him (and he convinced himself) that he could "pole vault" across to my side by finding a long sturdy stick about 8 foot long and running towards the river planting the end in the middle of the river and safetly landing on the other side. Well....needless to say.... it didn't work as planned as the water depth was more than 8 feet where he planted the end....and he simply went head first into the river. For those that don't know Jason is not a good swimmer either. Anyway... to this day whenver I think of that day, I laugh until until I cry!!!! I could never tell the story well to other people and friends because it was just too funny. So to Jason - thanks for always being my good...good friend and I know your safe with your parents, grandparents and brother Larry...catching up. PS - The beer we said we were going to have together as soon as the pandemic was over... i will save it for later. Dennis Harper "

CHAD VAN DYKE wrote on Jun 11, 2020:

"SO SORRY TO HEAR OF SUCH A GREAT LOSS IN YOUR FAMILY..MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU..."

CHAD VAN DYKE wrote on Jun 11, 2020:

"SO SORRY TO HEAR OF SUCH A GREAT LOSS IN YOUR FAMILY..MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU..."

Diane Meade wrote on Jun 9, 2020:

"I was shocked and saddened to hear of Jason's passing. The family is in my prayers. Diane (DeDe) Crawford Meade (cousin)"

Duane Voy wrote on Jun 9, 2020:

"I am so sad to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with the Harper family for your loss. May God grant you comfort during sorrow."

Mike Syverson wrote on Jun 9, 2020:

"My condolences to his family. I worked with him at DMC. He was a great guy. "

Linda Hanig Hamman wrote on Jun 8, 2020:

"Becky my heart breaks for you and your family. Please know you are all in my prayers. Praying that all the good memories will help to ease your pain. Jason will be missed by all. The citizens of Franklin County have lost a valuable and caring emergency management director as well. Linda (Hanig) Hamman."