Harland "Harley" M. Rynning

Harland M. "Harley" Rynning, age 80, of San Diego, CA formerly of Des Moines, Iowa passed away peacefully on September 15, 2018 at home from lung cancer. Born in Richardton, ND to Harold Wilhelm Rynning and Mary Julia (Nelson) Young, he lived most of his life in Des Moines, Iowa and 37 of those years living on Fremont St.
Harley had a brilliant mind. He had a deep appreciation for history and he knew the Bible forwards and backwards. He followed world politics. He was a cat and animal lover. He was an avid reader and enjoyed philately, listening to his music collection, and hiking. He always said he didn’t understand people who got bored. There never seemed to be enough time in the day to accomplish all the things he wanted to do.
He had many varied interests and a myriad of jobs throughout his life. He worked as the building supervisor during the construction of the Ruin Center. There were only 5-6 floors open at the time. Construction was completed while he worked there. He watched the iron workers walking on the beams and he thought “not for me!”
Harley was kind and compassionate and he gave never ending hugs. You could talk to him about anything.
He is survived by his 7 children; Paul Michaels of Broken Arrow, OK, Bobby Michaels (Susan) of Tulsa, OK, Brent Michaels of Adel, IA, Michelle (Larry II) Hodges of Ackworth, IA, Tim Michaels of Springfield, MO, Valerie (Todd) Upham of San Diego, CA and Erinn (Douglas) Castleberry of Carlisle, IA.
He is also survived by his sisters Dene Trulson of Seattle, WA; Gwen (Galen) Kurth of Bondurant, IA; Judy (Wes) Winterbottom of Des Moines, IA; as well as his many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
He is preceded in death by both parents, sister Helen Mae Tolbert and brother Rick Rynning.
Visitation will be 5-7 PM Friday, September 21, 2018 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street with graveside service at 12 PM Saturday, September 22, 2018 at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Humane Society.

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