Donald O Harms

Donald Otto Harms was born on January 25, 1925 on the family farm southwest of Deshler, Nebraska. His parents were Otto W. and Dora (Torbeck) Harms. He was baptized on February 26, 1925 by Rev. J.A. Grueber at Zion Lutheran Church southwest of Deshler. He was confirmed with a class of 3 on September 11, 1938 at Zion Lutheran by Rev. William Feller. His confirmation verse was Romans 1:16, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth." In 1940, he was asked to be organist of his church.

Donald graduated from Deshler High School in May of 1942. In December of 1944, he was called into the U.S. Navy, serving until July 1946. He worked in the Legal Office of the U.S. Naval Disciplinary Barracks at San Pedro, California. He returned to farming following his honorable discharge and during his "batching" days he had his own orchard and canned 100 quarts of peaches. He also had livestock, chickens, and grew wheat, milo and corn.

On April 9, 1950 he was united in marriage to his high school classmate, Lorna Holtzen, at Trinity Lutheran Church (Friedensau) by Rev. H.R. Miller. Soon thereafter, they became members of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Deshler. Donald served in various elected church offices for 20 years. While serving on the Deshler Lutheran School Board, he served on the committee to write the constitution for the Deshler Lutheran School Association. Later he served on a committee to update the constitution of St. Peter Lutheran Church. Donald was a member of the mixed and male choirs for many years. He was a member of the Lutheran Laymen’s League and was President of AAL for 7 years. He served 6 years on the school boards of District #92, Deshler Public School-District #60 and the Deshler Lutheran School. He was an active 50+ year member of the Deshler American Legion Post 352. He served as a bingo caller for many years. He retired from farming after suffering a heart attack on June 22, 1995.

Donald’s favorite pastime was playing the piano and singing. Having daily devotions and going to church on Sundays were a top priority. Sunday afternoons were spent with family by visiting and playing cards or board games. Dancing-whether it be a polka, waltz, or square dance, was very much enjoyed.

Donald and Lorna’s home was blessed with four children, their spouses, 12 grandchildren, and 20 great- grandchildren. Donald is survived by his wife of 67+ years, Lorna Harms; daughters: Judy Martin and husband Lloyd, San Angelo, TX; children: Laura Martin, Jonathan, Laura & Mason Martin & Jeremy, Megan, Brantley & Maddox Martin, all of San Angelo, TX; Susan Wagnitz and husband Lloyd, Eagle, NE; children: Sara & Cory Rohren, Omaha, NE, Rachel & Chase Burgess, Columbus, NE, and Matthew & Leslie Wagnitz, Lincoln, NE; daughters-in-law Anita (Harold) Harms, Deshler, NE; children: Jeffrey, Lisa, Ethan & Austin Harms, Bedford, IN, and Mark, Kim, Cade & Payton Harms, Taylor & Chase Minihan all of Lincolnville, KS; Joy (Roger) & Bill Deterding, Cambridge, NE; children: Alison, Tom, Luke, Kate & Dean Otte, Ulysses, NE, Nolan, Amy, Nevaeh & Johanna Harms, Seward, NE, Abby, Tyson, Noelle & Ellery Warm, Fremont, NE, Tyler, Krista, Reese, Barrett, Maddyn & Brextin Harms, Davenport, NE. He was preceded in death by his sons: Roger, October 23, 1996 and Harold, January 1, 1999; his parents Otto & Dora Harms; two sisters Lois & husband Raymond Fintel and Opal & husband Julius Reinke; great-grandson Isaiah Nolan Harms.

Donald went home to Jesus on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at the age of 92 years, 8 months, 9 days.