Gerald "Jerry" Harn
February 12, 2020
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Service Details
Gerald “Jerry” Harn, age 81, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.
Jerry was born March 24, 1938 in Independence, Iowa to Helen and Richard Harn. He graduated from Des Moines Tech in 1956 and joined the Marines in 1957. He settled in West Des Moines and married Carole Fugate in 1960. They welcomed 4 children and enjoyed 21 years of marriage. After becoming a widower in 1981, Jerry met and married Susan Brodersen in 1985. He retired from Armstrong Tire after 30 years and had a second career for 18 years as a Realtor.
Jerry was a dedicated husband, father, brother, grandpa and friend. It was a tremendous joy for Grandpa Jerry to attend his grandkids’ many activities! Jerry was involved in a wide variety of community organizations and was a friend to everyone he met. He was a lifetime member of Izaak Walton League and Central Iowa Gardeners of America. He was a longtime member of Elks Lodge 98, Gnemeth Masonic Lodge #577 and Huntmasters.
Jerry was also an avid sports fan. He enjoyed bowling, golfing and followed the Iowa Hawkeyes, Drake Bulldogs and Iowa Cubs. He and Susan enjoyed going to Hawkeye Bowl games and MVC Basketball tournaments. Jerry enjoyed traveling and took pride in having a beautifully manicured yard and garden. He and Susan would relax outside, enjoying the wide variety of flowers, plants and trees in their yard.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Susan; brother, James; son, Rick; daughters, Whitney (Tom), Dawn (John) and Valerie (Jeffery); grandchildren, Zach, Jack, Aubrey, Beth and Shelly; and 5 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at WDM Christian Church, 4501 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines, IA 50265 with visitation from 4-7 pm with a Masonic Ceremony at 6:45 pm on Friday, February 21 and the funeral service on Saturday, February 22 at 10:30 am with a luncheon to follow. Interment at Iowa Veterans Cemetery will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Amyloidosis Foundation, 7151 N. Main St, Suite 2, Clarkson, MI 48346, to Drake University Athletic Bulldog Club, 2507 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, or to West Des Moines Christian Church. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
As Jerry would say, “Have fun if you can!”
Ron Jones
02/21/2020
I went to high school with Jerry & have fond memories of running track with him. He was fun to be around & got along well with everyone on the team. I am sorry for your loss.
Lynne Van Valin
02/20/2020
Jerry will be greatly missed. He was always so positive & giving. He loved Susan who is one of my favorite relatives! Cherish his memories, family & friend! I know I will.
Terry Eaton
02/19/2020
Jerry and I graduated from DM Tech the same year. He was a close friend of mine and several other of the guys we knew and socialized with during our high school years. Jerry almost always had access to an automobile (thanks to mom Helen) and we frequently could be found "scooping the loop" in downtown Des Moines. Always a fun guy and willing to go above and beyond for a friend.
Kathy Tollenaar
02/19/2020
My sincere deepest sympathy to the Harn family. Jerry was a true genuine good guy. He was a friend to everyone he met. He treated everyone with respect and compassion.
He was quick with a smile and I will miss his friendship.
Doña Barry
02/15/2020
Wishing you the joy and happiness that comes with memories and sharing them with each other. Think of the good times and allow his love for all of you to get you through the next few weeks as you try to continue with daily activities, knowing You will see him again and that he is at peace.
Valerie Hvam
02/15/2020
He was a dedicated brother uncle and foster parents.
I miss my mediator buffer supporter. I will always miss him and his love.