David G. Harty
October 07, 2010
David George Harty, 75, passed away on Friday, October 8, 2010. A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, October 11, 2010 at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines, IA 50265 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be one hour prior.
David was born on December 29, 1934 in Mason City, IA. He graduated in 1953 from Iowa Falls High School, and then attended Ellsworth Community College from 1953 to 55, lettering in baseball. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1957 where he lettered two years in wrestling. He married his wife Kay in 1959. He received his master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado in 1961, and did further graduate work at Iowa State. He taught science and coached wrestling in Postville, IA, and taught, coached and was a middle school administrator in Eagle Grove, IA. He was the Assistant Executive Secretary to the Iowa High School Athletic Association from 1970-2005. In retirement he returned to the classroom, supervising student teachers for Iowa State. He was a member of the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame and was recognized by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport.
David’s passions were spending time with family and friends at Lake Okoboji; hunting, fishing and golfing with his family; and following Iowa State athletics.
The family would like to thank the many doctors and care providers at Iowa Methodist Hospital and the pastoral care staffs at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines and the First Lutheran Church of West Okoboji for their dedication and support.
David is survived by his wife, Kay; daughter, Laura (Charles) Celli of Southlake, TX; son, Jeff (Cathy) of West Des Moines, IA; grandchildren, Alexandria Celli of Southlake, TX; David and Allison Harty of West Des Moines, IA; siblings, Evelyn King of Iowa Falls, IA, Darlene Roozen of Iowa Falls, IA, Rick Harty of Mason City, IA, Pat Evans of Torrance, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50265 or to First Lutheran Church, 1525 Three Cross Road, West Okoboji, IA 51351. Online condolences may be made at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
G.FORD
11/15/2011
I am so sorry for your loss. May "the God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3,4) comfort and soothe your heart. His promises, found in the Holy Scriptures, can offer much hope. It assures us at John 5:28,29 that our loved ones will be remembered and brought back to life in the resurrection. Please allow God's Word to strengthen you and help you to endure this most difficult time.
Orville Maxon
11/09/2010
Mrs Harty and family - please accept my belated condolences for the passing of Coach Harty. I was privileged, blessed even, enough to have been influenced by both of you at a time in my development that benefited greatly from the focus, determination and the demand for excellence that you both commanded. I'm sure it wasn't apparent at the time, but I took those values and expectations with me and carried them throughout my life. I would like to thank you both; I will never forget you.
Orville Maxon
Bellevue, NE
Bob Dane, Iowa City
10/18/2010
I just learned of Dave's passing. I am sorry for your loss at such a young age.
I had the privilege of working with and knowing Dave during my 13 years as a volunteer coach @ Iowa City City High. Our special project was creating a new video new explain the changes in the rules to help train officials and try to make coaches more understanding.
I always looked forward to our visits during the State Tournament.
His loyalty, dedication, smiles, and friendship will be missed.
Jim Murphy
10/17/2010
Kay and family
My brother, Denny, in Clarion, said Jim Larick, also of Clarion, and a relative of Dave, told me of his passing. When I left Eagle Grove in 1966 after five years of teaching and coaching with Dave I knew I would have a difficult time enjoying educational experiences more. That is the way it turned out, life has been great, but I really miss my Eagle Grove friends. You and Dave were more than that to me, Kay. The time I spent with both of you was precious, especially the Dean Martin Show and other craziness.
Dave was the most important person in hiring me at Eagle Grove and my enjoyment in coaching and teaching. His humor in each was contagious. I remember him in particular in a favorite role, we would have brief assemblages in the boiler room, Dave would come in, develop a friendly argument between several of the teachers, he would smile, his eyes would twinkle, and he would leave.
Even though we never made the direct connections, and we did not have the opportunity to watch Laura and Jeff grow up, I am glad we have kept up with our lives. I hope we can continue to do so. Our best to you.
Jo and Jim Murphy
Greg Becker
10/16/2010
To the Dave Harty family, I extend my sympathy to your family. Dave gave me a chance to work the state tournament in Iowa which is one of the greatest experiences of my life as an wrestling official many years ago. I still cant believe the electricity at the 'bank' during the state tourny. Dave had many stories to tell, some that I heard many times. Everytime, I loved hearing them again and again. Daves appearance was always professional, I never saw a hair out of place or his tie wrinkeled. Dave was a great leader and made Iowa wrestling what it is today. Dave gave 110% to wrestling and Im sure he gave the same to his family. Im very saddened to have heard about Dave but happy to have had the priveledge of knowing him. Dave was a great man and things I learned from him, I will continue to do for the rest of my life. My sympathies, Greg Becker wrestling official
Renee Mosher Schuck
10/15/2010
Our prayers and thoughts go out to your family. I graduated in 1975 so I remember when Dave was at the EG School system. He was a great person. My dad watched him coach at alot of games (his name was Don Mosher-he passed away in August 2009).
Renee & Mike Schuck
Zee Mosher
Gary Bergmann
10/14/2010
To The Harty Family :
My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Dave was wonderful ambassador for wretling and the State of Iowa.
The wrestling community will forever be thankful that he shared his life with us. We will miss him.
Gary Bergmann
Savannah Missouri
Dave and Bettye Crupper
10/13/2010
We send our sympathy to you Kay and your children. What a nice man he was.
Bruce Sperry
10/13/2010
Mr. Harty was a great leader when I was a Coach & Athletic Director.
He served the IHSAA well & provided the leadership needed.
Roger and Sally Christopher-Brauman
10/12/2010
I will never forget our trip to St. Louis with the Van Houten's in 1968. We will always remember those science experiments in 9th grade science class. Dave will always be remembered by us.
Roger Brauman
Sally Christopher-Brauman
Wayne Carney
10/12/2010
Kay and family:
On behalf of the South Dakota High School Activities Association I would like to extend our condolences to you and your family on Dave's passing. Dave worked tirelessly for the Iowa Association for 35 years and was a very productive and contributing member of the National Federation "Family" during that time. His devotion to his job, his family, and his co-workers will long be remembered and appreciated by all those he came into contact with throughout his long and distinguished career.
God Bless and Keep You All,
Wayne Carney, Executive Director
Ann Dirksen Fahrer
10/11/2010
Kay, Laura, Jeff and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Dave's passing. I feel so fortunate to have had you all as family friends growing up. Truly, you were all so special to my folks. What great memories of weekends spent together, staying at the cabin, going to the football play-offs, the incredible food Kay and Mom would make (!), the shopping, and just being with you all. We always referred to you as Uncle Dave and Aunt Kay, and I still consider you as such. I am sure that Dad and Mom are happy to see Dave again, and that Dave and Dad have no doubt suited up and headed out for hunting...It brings me great comfort and happiness to think of that. I know that Dad spent a lot of time talking to Dave in the month or so before Dad passed. You were great friends to my family. I send you my love, and will keep you all in my prayers. God bless you.
Ann
David Ulstad
10/11/2010
Dear Mrs. Harty and Family -- My sympathies to you for the loss of Coach Harty. He made a lasting impression on me when I was just a boy, and I've never forgotten him. A wonderful man, and a great teacher and coach.
Todd Kastli Oelwein H.S.
10/11/2010
We greatly appreciate the time, effort and sacrifice Dave gave to the sport of wrestling. He was a super advocate for young people and will be missed.
Jan George
10/11/2010
To the Harty family I want to express my sympathy. David was a person I looked forward to visiting with each and every year at the rules meeting. He gave guidance and support when needed. His passion for wrestling was second to none. My family and I will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers through this most difficult time.