Donald "Don" Fredrick Harms

August 17, 1929 - June 3, 2016

Donald “Don” Harms, 86, of Marble Rock, died Friday, June 3, 2016, at Hospice of North Iowa, surrounded by his family. Don Harms was born August 17, 1929, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to William and Caroline (Bachman) Harms. He was baptized in the Lutheran faith, later joining the United Methodist Church in 1948. He graduated from Elma High School. Most of his years were spent on a farm near Marble Rock, where he lived for 66 years. He was actively engaged in farming, specializing in farrowing and finishing pigs. He was Floyd County Pork Producer of the year, and later, in 1974, was an Iowa Master Pork Producer. He, also, had served on the Floyd County Beef Producers Board and the F. H. A. Board. He retired from actively farming in 1981, but continued living on the farm. On June 16, 1948, he was united in marriage to Betty Swant in the Methodist church at Marble Rock. To this union three children were born: Steven, and twins, Dennis and Donnice (Doni). Don enjoyed most of all being with his immediate family. He liked nothing better than grilling hamburgers, steaks, making toasted cheese sandwiches for family and friends. He also liked dancing, especially to the Big Bands at The Surf and the Buddy Holly Tributes, traveling, exercising, playing cards, Sudoku, dining at The North Western Steakhouse, his cats and dogs, working in the yard, feeding, taking care of, and watching birds and just enjoying life. Surviving is his wife, Betty. They would have celebrated their 68th anniversary on June 16th. Other surviving family members are their children, Steve (Louise) of Chicago, Illinois; Dennis (Randi) of Waco, Texas; and Doni Parker of Clear Lake. He is also survived by two grandsons, who have always been extra close in distance and heart, Jason (Karla, like a granddaughter) Parker of Clear Lake, with their children (great-grandchildren) Carson and Bella Parker; and James (Jim) Parker of Marble Rock, who spent a number of years caring for his grandparents. Other surviving grandchildren are Stefanie (Tyler) Martin of China Spring, Texas, and their children (great-grandchildren) Tye, Macie and Koehler Martin; Heather (Josh) Clark of Flower Mound, Texas, and their children (great-grandchildren) Matthew, Lainey and Owen Clark, and grandson, Zachary Harms of Waco, Texas. When Don was ill, Stef and Heather spent time caring for him. Don is survived by one brother, David (Carol) Harms and a sister-in-law, Verna Harms, a special niece, Pam (Mike) Robson and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves “special” friends, Theresa and David Frank, Teresa Thomas and Family, Jean Harms, Chris, Shelle, Cody, Donald, Betty Staudt, Chris, Angela Marsh and family, his loving Hospice Family and numerous other friends, plus his “animal” friends, Trixie, Ginger, Misty and Lucky. He was preceded in death by his parents, 5 sisters, 4 brothers and his in-laws, Cecil and Frances Swant, No formal services are being planned. At his request his body will be cremated and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to North Iowa Hospice, whose staff, workers and volunteers have been so wonderful to Don. Their address is 232 Second Street SE, Mason City, Iowa 50401. Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 2nd St SE, Mason City, IA 50401, 641-423-8676 www.Fullertonfh.com Facebook/Fullertonfuneralhomes