Harms, Michael J. (1947-2016)
HARMS, BILYEU, MITCHELL, EASTVOLD, MEHMEN, ESPELAND
Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 7/31/2016 at 14:09:15
Michael J. Harms
June 21, 1947 - June 29, 2016Surrounded by his loving family, Michael (Mike) J. Harms, 69, left this world peacefully on Wednesday, June 29, 2016, after a very brief but mighty battle with a very aggressive form of lung cancer. Family and friends are invited are invited to come together to visit and celebrate Mike's life this Friday, July 1, 2016, between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. at Friendship Hall at the Winnebago Campgrounds in Forest City. The family request that in lieu of flowers and plants, gifts be directed towards the Michael J. Harms Memorial.
Mike was born on June 21, 1947, to Harvey and Elna (Bilyeu) Harms, in Forest City, Iowa. After graduating from Forest City High School and Waldorf College, he attended Iowa State University (ISU) to study Civil Engineering. On October 12, 1968, he married Mary (Mitchell), the love of his life.
Mike worked as a surveyor for the City of Ames while they were residing there. After completing his education, however, they returned to Forest City where he joined his father in the operation of LaHARV Construction Co., Inc. Moreover, after his father retired, Mike became and remained President of LaHARV. Later, his two sons, Matthew and Mason, joined him in the business. A member of the Forest City Jaycees in the 1970s, Mike became a prominent and contributing member of the Forest City community.
Very proud of the five beautiful and loving children they parented, Mike and Mary had resided in Forest City since 1970. Most happy when with family and friends, Mike loved them all and enjoyed their company. He, also, liked dancing, traveling, and working. Mike and Mary would travel together, visiting family and friends along the way. They took the time to experience the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky, the Moonshine Trail in Tennessee, and the International Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Most recently, during the entire month of February, they experienced another slice of Americana, driving the length of Route 66 all the way to the end on the Santa Monica Pier. They had been so looking forward to more fun and exciting trips together.
Deeply missed by his loving and proud family, Mike is survived by his loving family: his wife of almost forty-eight years, Mary (Mitchell); his children, Matthew (Kristin Poppe Mehmen), Mason (Kelli Lovick), Melissa Eastvold, and Melanie (Todd Espeland); his eight grandchildren: Alex Mehmen; Laura and Jack Harms; Julia and Michael Eastvold; and Mady, Kenna, and Easton Espeland.
Mike was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Angela Marie, his brother, Harvey (Tom), and his parents, Harvey and Elna Harms.
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Winnebago Obituaries maintained by Cheryl Siebrass.
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