Ollis "Hayes" Harned
March 30, 2014
Ollis “Hayes” Harned, 81, passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2014. Services will be held at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at 11:30 a.m., with visitation from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Hayes was born on August 14, 1932 in Waterloo, IA to Rhoda (Singer) and Ollis Hayes Harned. After high school graduation, Hayes joined the US Air Force and served from 1951 to 1960. He completed his formal education at State College of Iowa now UNI and taught PE for 30 years in Des Moines and West Des Moines. After retirement he returned as a substitute teacher. Hayes loved teaching kids.
His other interests included being in charge of the wrestling awards stand at the state tournaments, former assistant wrestling coach at Roosevelt High School; he was awarded PE Teacher of the year in 1990 and granted a key to the city of Des Moines. Hayes loved his family, and spending time at their lake cabin in Minnesota. He attended Lutheran Church of Hope and was a member of the American Legion.
Hayes is survived by his wife, Luann; sons, Jeff (Kathy), Bill (Carmen), and Rusty (Cathy) Harned; sisters, Jane and Darlene; brother, Lynn; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the donor’s favorite charity or to the family for direction to Hayes’s favorite charities. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Steve Johns
04/06/2014
Hayes took time regularly to stop by my office at East High School just to chat. We spoke about everything from his cabin and his love of fishing to the students he had taught over the years. The high school office was always a bit brighter after his visit.
Scott and Diana Mavis
04/05/2014
Luann - our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We remember Hayes fondly through many memories of being neighbors. He invited Michelle to tinikle with his Willard students. We have wonderful memories of that and cannot hear "Eye of the Tiger" without thinking of Hayes. He touched so many lives in such a positive way.
Mike Walker
04/04/2014
Mr. Harned what can I say you were always there for me there all the hard, good and worst times of my life when I was younger. No matter what you had going you always made time for someone in need. I remember all the times we argued about who was better Iowa or ISU. The trips we took I will never forget exspecially one to Lincoln that I pushed you to far and I have regretted it everyday since. I just want your family to know I respected you as a teacher, coach, and a mentor; you were also a father figure to me. I owe a lot of how I turned out to you! I love you and will miss you but will always charish the memories I have of you!
Doug Minear
04/04/2014
Hayes was a mentor, peer, travel guide and much more for me. I am thankful he let me tag along to all the national and central district conventions with him and the tiniklers. My prayers are with Luann and family. May he rest in peace.
Dawn Fisher - Green
04/04/2014
Mr. Harned was an amazing teacher and a great roll model for all of us. I was a former Willard tinickler as well. Went on many trips. I have two girls and they always tell every one that there mom is the best jump roper and my reply is that I had the best teacher. As some of the others had said I always looked foreword to school cause I always spent my time in the gym. I am sorry to hear of the loss of a great person who has had an impact on many people. May he rest in peace. My prayers are with your family!
James Giboo
04/04/2014
My condolences for Hayes' family. We will miss him at our meets! Coach Giboo and the East Wrestling family.
Jane Harned Hirth
04/04/2014
Spring break !! Friday a brother and sister-in-law went to Parkersburg and Ackley to see his two sisters. A great day. Now it is a very special memory. Thank you Hayes. Luann and family you are in our prayers
Tricia Vasquez Young
04/04/2014
What an impact one person can have on a community. As a former Willard Tinickler I will always have fond memories of Pufferbilly days and the Iowa State Fair. Thank you Mr. Harned for sharing your life and time with so many of us.
Kate Hymans-Smith
04/04/2014
I had the pleasure of teaching with Hayes at Willard in the late 70's and early 80's. I remember fondly the sounds and sights of all the kids tinikling. What a positive influence he was on so many students and staff. My sincere condolences to his family.
Virginia Gilkey Dowling
04/03/2014
I was blessed to have know Hayes thru the Harned family. It was always fun when I was able to attend a family gathering with Uncle Lynn and Aunt Marge and he was there. He also supported me when I student taught in Des Moines by providing transportation for me. I will remember him fondly!! He was special!!
Kolby Naylor
04/03/2014
I am gald to have known from East High School he was my best 9th grade teacher in 2010. we had a lot of great times in his class. Ollis is a man I look up to. my prayers are to his family and friends. we will all miss you!
Sharon Davis
04/03/2014
I was blessed to have known Hayes as a one of his peers. He demonstrated enthusiasm and high standard to all fellow PE instructors.
He was someone both students and peers looked up to. What a blessing to all of us.
Prayers and sympathy to the family.
Karen (Petersen) Birchmier
04/03/2014
I want you to know how much Hayes was loved my teachers, students, and the community! He had the most amazing personality. Hayes was always putting kids first. He made people laugh, really cared about everyone, and always had a sunny disposition. My first years teaching at Willard were brighter because of Hayes. His yummy blueberry pancakes added a few pounds to my waistline as well when he cooked breakfast for the staff. :) I will always smile when Hayes' name is mentioned and he will always be remembered fondly.
Beth Drey Stevens
04/02/2014
I was lucky enough to be a tinikler at Willard Elementary School. Mr. Harned was a wonderful man. I remember as a kid that I wanted him to be my third Grandpa. As an adult when I think about the amount of time and resources that he devoted to organizing that group of elementary school kids I am in awe of his creativity and sense of purpose. He allowed kids to travel and experience things beyond what they knew. He influenced so many lives; the epitome of a life well lived.
Chrysta Bosley
04/02/2014
My condolences to the family. He was my PE teacher at Willard elementary and by far the most like/loved teacher by many. Tinkling was memorable because of him and the dedication he gave.