Jerald P. (Jerry) Harms
August 27, 2016
Jerald P. (Jerry) Harms, 72, died unexpectedly on Friday, August 26, 2016. He was much loved and will be dearly missed by his wife of 47 years, Linda, and children, Julie and Nathan. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Nancy Enright.
Jerry was born in Fort Dodge, IA, on September 24, 1943, to Paul and Juanita (Hansen) Harms. Jerry’s dad, Paul, was stationed at Fort Snelling at the time and Jerry’s baptism was held at the Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel.
Jerry was educated in the Fort Dodge schools, graduated from Iowa State University with a B.S. degree in Zoology, and graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston/School of Public Health with an M.P.H. degree. Jerry worked as an Epidemiologist with the City of Houston Bureau of HIV/STD Prevention for many years and served on the Houston Medical Strike Team.
Currently, Jerry was the HIV/AIDS Surveillance Coordinator for the State of Iowa. Jerry was also deeply honored to share work and friendships with members of the CDC’s Low Morbidity Network and with the HIV Subcommittee of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE). Jerry was a proud member of AFSCME (American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees) and took an active role in the recent organization of Iowa Department of Public Health and Iowa Department of Education employees.
When Jerry received the diagnosis of esophageal cancer, Stage 4, the first thought he expressed was immense sadness for how this disease would impact and complicate life for Julie, Nathan, and Linda. His second, immediate thought was profound gratitude for having had the opportunity with Linda to volunteer with troops from the Iowa National Guard and the Iowa Air National Guard in the Enduring Families and Strong Bonds programs, under the leadership of Chaplain Gary Selof and others.
Jerry’s sense of humor and his uncanny ability to play with words were attributes enjoyed by others. He appreciated perfection in work, though this skill did not necessarily transfer to the menial details of housekeeping and office organization.
Jerry was always incredibly proud of Julie and Nathan. For years, he woke at 4:15 a.m. to take Julie ice skating at the Galleria in Houston. During Nathan’s elementary and middle school years, they celebrated non-school days by riding beach bicycles and flying kites along Galveston beach. In 1996, Jerry and Nathan completed RAGBRAI, a seven day, 432-mile bicycle ride across Iowa from the Missouri River to the Mississippi.
Jerry was a pioneer in the “housedad” arena, sharing home time with Julie and Nathan in their younger years. He took active P.T.O. leadership roles at their schools: River Oaks Elementary, Roberts Elementary, and T.H. Rogers.
While acknowledging Jerry’s painful journey since his diagnosis, his tremendous courage, and his stamina, we’d like to focus on these two important things:
1) Our heartfelt gratitude to all who wrapped their arms around Jerry during his journey of diminishing health, and,
2) Our collective memories and stories about Jerry, whether it be the silly, the funny, the endearing, or even the annoying.
Jerry had not yet shared his health issues with all of those important to him, but for those who were aware of his diminishing health, we cannot thank you enough, collectively and individually, for your love, support, and care. By standing beside Jerry, you helped him stand up and stand tall.
From Judy, Jill, and others at Target pharmacy, to the staff and volunteers in Radiology and Chemotherapy, to the team of Dr. Hiatt, Alicia, Bridget, and others, to the ongoing care and concern of Dr. Reyes, to the carefully calculated interventions of Dr. Isaak, Dr. Mohan and Kim, Dr. Kollmorgen, and Dr. Nish, and to all of Jerry’s talented and committed colleagues in the Iowa Department of Public Health, the CDC’s Low Morbidity Network, CSTE, and associated groups: to all of these individuals, offices, and departments, to all of Julie’s and Nathan’s friends and work associates, and to those we haven’t named, we say thank you. You gave Jerry a reason to hold onto his sense of humor and to keep alive his ability to play with words. You understood his quest to understand and teamed with him to try to find answers for those “what” and “how to” questions.
As we honor Jerry’s memory, we’d love to know the stories you recall and would be honored if you’d like to share an impromptu thought or two, either in writing or during the reflection and sharing time at the visitation or funeral.
Visitation for Jerry will be at Hamilton's Funeral Home, 605 Lyon St., Des Moines, IA, on Wednesday, August 31, 2016, 3-7 p.m., with a time of reflection and sharing at 5 p.m. The funeral service for Jerry will be held at the Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel, St. Paul, MN, on Friday, September 2, 2016, at 1 p.m., with visitation at 12 noon. For those attending the funeral, please bring comfortable shoes and a kite, if you have one. We'll attempt to fly kites outside the chapel in memory of Jerry.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials may be directed to TREE (Therapy, Recreation, Education, and Exploration) House of Greater St. Louis, a program offering equine-assisted therapy to children, adults, and veterans with disabilities, www.thstl.org, 332 Stable Lane, Wentzville, MO, 63385; Iowa Public Radio, www.iowapublicradio.org; Iowa Public Television, www.iptv.org; or a charity of the individual’s choice.
And, finally, to all: thank you for your kindness.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Scott Clair
09/02/2016
For a great man - thank you for all that you shared and all that you were. A great friend and colleague to everyone you met. You will be missed. My condolences to the family - thank you for sharing your husband and father with the rest of us he was a pure joy.
Danny J. Homan
09/01/2016
On behalf of the members of AFSCME Iowa Council 61 and myself, I want to express my deepest condolences on Jerry's passing. During Jerry's association with this Union, he always put his co-workers above his own interests and work hard for the betterment of all AFSCME members. May Jerry Rest in Peace and may his family find comfort in the days ahead. Jerry will be missed but he will not be forgotten. God Bless you all.
Raouf Arafat
08/31/2016
My condolence and my family's to Linda, Nathan and Julie. We are so sorry for your loss and I'm glad that I was able to see you recently in Anchorage. You are such a great family and I hope we can do something to console you and alleviate your pain. We love all of you
Phil Somsen UnityPoint Health-Fort Dodge
08/31/2016
To Linda and family:
Be assured of my prayers for you all during this time of sorrow.
Alecia Raymer
08/31/2016
Linda and family - I was very saddened to hear about Jerry. It was a joy to know him, and I only wish we had known each other under different circumstances. When he talked of you and the kids, he always had such a sense of pride and happiness. I loved seeing that in him. I will sure miss seeing him, and I wish you all my sincerest condolences.
John Barnhart
08/31/2016
I am very sad to learn the news of Jerry's passing. However, I take comfort in having the pleasure to know and work with Jerry over the past several years. Jerry wit, humor and sound advice is something that I will miss dearly. My condolences to his wife and family.
Ann Robbins
08/30/2016
I was saddened to hear of Jerry's passing. I remember his dedication and good humor. He was an excellent guide to me when I first began my work in public health. He will be missed.
Sue Bedard-Johnson
08/30/2016
You always smiled and had some humor to be found in our work. Appreciate the time spent with you and the knowledge you shared. You will be missed.
Tricia Kroll
08/30/2016
My heart goes out to Jerry, his family and co-workers. I enjoyed the opportunity to work with Jerry; he always had such a great sense of humor. You're all in our thoughts and prayers.
Rachel Stolz - Council Bluffs Health Dept
08/30/2016
I will miss his wit and way with words - he was always quick and entertaining at meetings. Sending prayers to all of you.
Teri Langholz
08/30/2016
I loved Jerry so very much!! He made my day each and every time we talked. He always had such a dry sense of humor and I loved it!!! He never complained and was determined to live each day to the fullest. Rest in peace my friend. My sincere condolences to the family....remember that you didn't loose Jerry....someone is never lost when you know exactly where they are!! I'm sure he is warm, healthy, and happy!!! We will see him again!
Louise Lex
08/30/2016
I will miss Jerry's wry smile, his ironic sense of humor, and perspective on life. He was a rare bird in so many ways--delightful, warm, and caring. I send my condolences to his wife and beloved children
Theresa Schall
08/30/2016
Jerry was such a character! When I think of him, I will always remember him for his corny jokes and wry sense of humor. Working with him over the past few years has been such a pleasure. He had a sharp and inquisitive mind. As I always told him, he had a way of making surveillance interesting. The Primary Health Care nurses will miss him!
Darla Peterson
08/30/2016
I met Jerry due to my work in HIV in Sioux City. We had fun times at meetings. We would write emails back and forth that were full of puns because we both had similar senses of humor. We had serious times discussing business. We had hilarious times telling jokes. We discussed his illness too. He was a brave man. He was so smart. My team in Sioux City at the Communiry Health center will miss him dearly.
Claudia Robinson
08/29/2016
My prayers and thoughts are with you. Jerry welcomed me into the wacky world of HIV surveillance. His kindness and knowledge was much appreciated and will be sorely missed.