Fokken, Harmon Chris 1918-2005

FOKKEN, WILSON

Posted By: Linda Ziemann (email)
Date: 4/14/2005 at 11:42:41

Harmon Chris Fokken, 86, of Remsen, died Tuesday, March 22, 2005, at the Happy Siesta Care Center in Remsen.

Harmon was born Nov. 7, 1918, on a farm in Union Township in Plymouth County, the son of Chris and Laura (Wilson) Fokken. When he was two years old, the family moved to Raymond, S.D. Harmon was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He was educated at the Logan Consolidated School. In 1934, the family moved back to Iowa and settled on a farm north of Hartley.

On Aug. 6, 1954, he married Elaine Dawson at Christ Lutheran Church in Remsen. The couple farmed for 12 years at Hartley and Sutherland. In 1966 they moved to Remsen where they operated Harmon's Variety Store for nine years. Harmon then worked as a baker at Camp Okoboji in the summer season and prepared taxes for H & R Block during tax time for the next four years. He then was office manager at the Parker Livestock Supply Company until they closed in 1984 at which time he retired to spend some time on his hobby of refinishing furniture for his family and friends.

During his life, Harmon was active in his church, teaching Sunday school, holding various offices on the church council, and was chosen as chairman of the church centennial committee in 1987. He was also active in Oaks (Older Adult Kids).

Harmon had been a resident of Happy Siesta since April 2004.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Elaine; two sons and their wives, David and Gayle Fokken of Gilmore City, and Joel and Lisa Fokken of South Sioux City, Neb.; five granddaughters, Ragena, Jessica, Jamie, Kristen, and Barbara; a grandson, William; a great-grandson, Gage; and a niece, Carol McKeown of Spencer.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father; and a sister, Irene Bailey.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Christ Lutheran Church in Remsen, with the Rev. Robert L. Eggers officiating. Burial will be in the Remsen City Cemetery. Visitation at Christ Lutheran Church in Remsen will be after 2 p.m. Friday with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service. Visitation will also be for one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. The Feuerstein Funeral Home of Le Mars is in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers will be John Mahoney, Terry Maass, David Sonnichsen, Darin Hansen, Dale Schroeder, Dennis Kroeger, and Don Marx. Honorary pallbearers will be Vernon Kruse, Arnold Maass, Charles Krekow, Donald Dawson, Leonard Sonnichsen, and Harold Dawson.