Johnny H. Harms

A funeral service was held at 10:30 AM on Monday, September 11, 2017 at Good Hope Lutheran Church, Titonka. Johnny Henry Harms was born on January 28, 1927 north of Titonka to John K. and Adelaide C. (Stecker) Harms. He grew up near Titonka and attended country school nearby. Johnny was baptized and confirmed at Good Hope Lutheran Church. Johnny married Velda Peter on August 10, 1958 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Burt, Iowa. They began their married life on the Harms' Family Farm southeast of Burt where they raised their five children. Though he was a man of few words, Johnny always showed his love for his wife, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Johnny was a lifelong farmer and continued to farm until the age of 85. Johnny and Velda moved into Titonka in 1988. After moving to Titonka, Johnny continued to farm with his children, was employed at the Titonka Farm Store for 4 years and did snow blowing and lawn care jobs. Johnny enjoyed being a substitute bus driver for the Titonka School District for 15 years. He served on the Farmers' Cooperative Oil board for nine years and also served nine years on the Titonka Care Center board, three years as president...[more]

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Johnny was a lifelong member of Good Hope Lutheran Church where he served as President of the Church Council for three years, held various property positions and ushered for many years. Music, especially polka music was a daily part of his routine. Johnny and Velda were members of the Titonka Twirlers and enjoyed square dancing for about 20 years. He loved spending time with his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He especially enjoyed camping and wintering in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas and also a few years in Arizona. Throughout his life Johnny had many faithful dogs by his side. On the farm you would always find Johnny with a white German Shepherd named Prince and in the last few years his much loved cockapoo Mollie. Johnny passed away peacefully at Kossuth Regional Hospital in Algona, on Friday, September 8, 2017 as the sun was rising surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Velda; children, Deb (Randy) Nielsen of Mason City and their children, Jackie and Candi; Dixie Harms of Clive; DeAnn (Brian) Lium of Bancroft and their children, Joey (Kali) Lium and their children, Karly and Alyvia, and Rachel Lium; Douglas (Sherry) Harms of Aurelia and their children, Jenna (Rev. Mark) Mares, Dylan Harms and Reghan Harms; Denise (Michael) Heyer of Titonka and their children Joshua Heyer, Andrew (Megan) Heyer and their son, Elliott Heyer, and Jesse Heyer; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John K. and Adelaide Harms; brothers Martin G. Harms, and Edward Larry Harms; and sister-in-law, Shirley Harms.