Gene Harding
February 26, 2021
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Service Details
Gene Immel Harding, age 90, passed away Friday, February 26, 2021 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.
Gene was born September 7, 1930 in Altoona, Iowa to Robert and Gladys (Immel) Harding. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He came home and attended the University of Iowa, earning a Business Degree. On December 18, 1955, he married his wife, Norma. Norma and Gene enjoyed traveling together, especially to Europe.
Gene was an avid runner. He finished 27 marathons, with a personal best time of a 3:26:55 run on the Drake Fieldhouse track in 1988. Gene also ran the Dam to Dam Race, winning his age group many times.
In his retirement he enjoyed volunteering at his church, Westminster United Presbyterian Church, with Golden K Kiwanis, and at Findley Elementary where he enjoyed reading with the children.
He is survived by his children, Les (Cate) Harding, Nancy Warren, Alan Harding; grandchildren, Jamie Warren, Eric Warren, Kellie Warren, Rhiannon Harding, Ahliya Harding; siblings; Mary (Steve) Sesker, Orien “Fuzz” Harding; and many nieces, nephews, and other loving family members.
Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Norma, his parents, five brothers and two sisters.
A celebration of life will be held at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Westminster United Presbyterian Church, 4114 Allison Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310 or Findley Elementary School, 3025 Oxford St, Des Moines, IA 50313.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Sue Wallace
03/09/2021
So sorry for your loss. Gene was my boss when I first started at The Bankers Life in 1974. A really great guy.
Janis Ware
03/07/2021
Gene was such an important part of Findley School. As a teacher and literacy volunteer coordinator, I first met Gene in the fall of 1998. He read with kids in my classroom and eventually other classrooms ever since. The kids LOVED reading with Gene! There was one boy that Gene asked if he could follow and read with that student the rest of his years at Findley, developing a special bond. Gene always had a smile and a calm presence. Gene was also a great supporter of Findley Flyers and due to his generosity, the Kids were able to earn T-shirts and hoodies bearing the name of the group. For over twenty years, Findley students and staff benefitted from Genes service, commitment and fabulous smile and laugh. We will always remember him. Thanks, Gene. Youre the best.
Steve Larson
03/05/2021
Gene was a wonderful friend and fellow church member at Westminster and fellow runner for many many years. I always admired his determination and tenacity during the runs but he was a soft hearted and good-natured guy afterward.
One of the best runners and nicest guys I have ever known and I will miss his presence at church and our discussions of our running days.
David & Wendy Jones
03/04/2021
We loved having both Gene & Norma for neighbors and were so sad when Gene moved. So many happy memories of our times together.
Ron Harding, Jr
03/04/2021
My Uncle Gene was such an inspiration to me. He got me interested in running, which help change me physically and mentally. My fondness memory of him was when I ran my first marathon. It was the Drake Relays Marathon which finished in the Drake Stadium. About a mile from the finish I notice that someone was running next to me. He was wearing blue jeans and a white baseball cap, it was Uncle Gene. It lifted me spirits and got me to the finish. Thanks Uncle Gene. Love ya!
Sue Hooey Wellman
03/03/2021
Gene was a wonderful man. Grateful to have had him as a neighbor and then to cross paths with him at many running events. He was a friend and inspiration to so many.
Rich Hoidahl
03/02/2021
I have many fond running-related memories of Gene. During our many years as employees of Bankers Life (now Principal), he encouraged my participation in the 24 Hour Relay (1977), Drake Relays Marathon (1978), Iowa Senior Games, and Iowa Games, as well as representing Principal on both regional and national Corporate Relays teams. Gene was an active participant in these and many other running events
over many decades. He wasn't known for his speed but for his endurance, sort of like the Energizer Bunny with a mustache! My heartfelt sympathies go to Gene's family at this most difficult time. He will be greatly missed by all of his many running and retiree friends.
brad nielsen
03/02/2021
Gene was such a pillar in The Principal and Des Moines' running community. He was a mentor to us in the Real Men's Locker Room (RMLR) and a trend setter with G. David, Merlin H and Bill K for their running commute back and forth to work. I am so lucky to have known Gene and to have logged some miles with him.
Chris Butler
03/02/2021
Gene will definitely be missed by many. My passion for returning to running came from many conversations with Gene at church and his encouragement. He always was such a sweet person and always had a hug for everyone. He is flying high now and reunited with Norma and I bet that was an awesome celebration. Rest easy in Heaven Gene!!!
Bob and Maribeth Newman
03/02/2021
We have so many memories of Genes kindness and humor as our neighbor for over 20 years. His love for Norma and family, his meticulous care for their home and his easy laugh remain in our hearts.
Michael Schweizer
03/02/2021
When I first started at Principal, Gene was one of the first ones I remember talking to me about the benefits of running to/from the office. His passion pushed me to continue running and I always enjoyed talking with him about running and he continued to follow my children in their running pursuits. My sympathies to Gene's family and know that he had an impact on many generations of runners. Mike, Kathy, Karissa, Ryan and Kelsey Schweizer
Megan
03/01/2021
Gene will be missed at Findley Elementary. The kids loved reading with him.
Corrin Smith
03/01/2021
Gene will be missed here at The Plaza. I'm sorry for your loss, and ours.
Marian White
03/01/2021
Gene: What a very special person and friend to so many. He & my Dad, Frank, were certainly the duo the last years living at the Plaza, From traveling together, to going to Drake basketball games and attending church, they were wonderful friends that took care of one another. Gene had a quick wit and i loved his "zingers". Please know that myself, my brother & sister, and my father Frank Loeffel, send our deepest sympathies. Gene will be missed but certainly will always be in our memories,