Richard Marion HARKEMA

HARKEMA, CHARLESTON, EMICK, SCHELL, GIMER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 1/2/2012 at 18:59:20

January 16, 1933 --- March 11, 2001

Richard Marion Harkema, son of John and Pearl Charleston Harkema, was born January 16, 1933 in Dows, Iowa. His childhood days were spent in Dows, where he received his education at Dows Community School. Following his schooling he entered the miltary and served with the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1955. Richard married Eileen Joanne Emick on October 19, 1958 at the First Lutheran Church in Dows, Iowa. Following their marriage, they moved from Dows to Estherville in 1968 and then to Spencer in 1971, until the time of his death. While in Estherville and Spencer, he was a route salesman for Metz Baking Company until his retirement in 1991. He was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Spencer. Richard devoted his time helping others. He was very devoted to his family and enjoyed working for Longhouse for five years and helping the elderly.

Richard passed away at the Spencer Hospital on Sunday, March 1, 2001 at the age of 68. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Ralph. He is survived by his wife, Eileen of Spencer; two sons and their wives: Timothy and Jodi Harkema of Spencer, Michael and Marisa Harkema of West Des Moines, Iowa; one daughter and her husband: Laurie and Terry Schell of Belle Fouche, South Dakota; seven grandchildren; one great grandchild; three brothers: Raymond Harkema of Latimer, IA, John Harkema of Eagle Grove;, IA, and Robert Harkema of Dows, IA; one sister, Nancy Gimer of Dows; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were at the Warner Chapel in Spencer, IA on March 14, 20001 with Pastor Tom Dettmer officiating. Organist was Jan Palm playing How Great Thou Art and Old Rugged Cross. Casket bearers were Jim Staley, Kyle Schell, Terry Schell, Dave Olson, Tyler Harkema, and Steve Opheim. Honorary bearers were Tom Thompson and Jerry Fitzpatrick. Internment was at Riverside Cemetery in Spencer, Iowa with military services by the Glen Pedersen Post #1 American Legion.