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.
Bud & Marge Legg
10/10/2010
Dear Kay and family,
Our prayers are with you at this difficult time. May the prayers and those of many sustain you as you move through the healing of your loss. David was such a fine and outstanding man -- compassionate about his work and most of all dedicated to the kids, coaches and educators of our state. I enjoyed so much my conversations with him. His example will forever be an inspiration for many for what we should become. God Bless.
Bud & Marge Legg
John & Diana Toillion
10/09/2010
Aloha Kay and Family
It is with sadness that we heard of Dave's passing, but we trust as a Christian you hold on to the promise that he is in a better place where there is no more suffering and pain and that in the end, we will all be one together again.
Diana and I hold on to such fond memories of you both. Back in the days when this world treasured basic values. Both you and Dave exemplified those basic values and that's why today we remember you and hold you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Aloha Always in Christ,
John & Diana Toillion
Mililani, HI
Lyle Larson
10/09/2010
Our sincere sympathy to your family.
Dave was always one who displayed excellent leadership ability. He inspired students to do their best. While he was enployed with the Eagle Grove school system he maintained a high degree of excellence in all of the programs, faculty and students with whom he had contact. He will be missed by many. He was a true inspiration in the athletic and academic fields. He set an example of the benefit of hard work and devotion to one's goals. I surely enjoyed and respected him as my wrestling coach.
Lyle Larson
Eagle Grove, Iowa
Paul and Lindy Helzer
10/09/2010
Kay and Family,
We so enjoyed our stay at your house on Lake Okoboji this summer. It gave us a chance to get to know you and Dave better. He was so fun to be with and so generous in sharing. We remember the wonderful Sunday morning boat ride we had solving the worlds problems.
You must have such great memories from all your years together and may they comfort you in this time of grief. Our thoughts and prayers will stay with you.
Randy and LeAnn Paulsen
10/09/2010
Dear Kay and family,
Our sincere sympathy and prayers go to you and your family during this time. LeAnn spoke so highly of Dave when she worked for the Athletic Association. She always appreciated his positive nature and kindness. Dave was a dedicated worker and she admired him for his great efforts. Kay our hearts go out to you during this difficult time.
May the precious memories of Dave become a most treasured gift in the days ahead.
With prayers for you all,
Randy and LeAnn
Gail Bates Baldwin
10/09/2010
Dear Kay and family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Shirley Hoffman-Madole was so thoughtful to send an e-mail to some of us who attended high school with you and Dave.
I remember Dave, as being very athletic in high school. I am so glad to hear how he contributed to other athletics in his adult life.
Sincerely, Gail
Connie Caslavka Wubbena
10/09/2010
Very sorry to hear of Dave's death. My sincere sympathy. I am thinking I am glad he got to attend at least one function of our last class reunion.
May your family know God's peace.
Connie Caslavka Wubbena
Ron Sadler
10/09/2010
Kay and Family,
You have our deepest sympathy. Our prayers and thoughts are with you in this time of need. Dave's influence on the sport of wrestling can be seen in every school in the state. He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Ron and Sharon Sadler
Jerry & Kathy Welter
10/09/2010
We just want you all to know that you are in our thoughts & prayers. Dave was a very nice man & he will always have a special place in our hearts.
Love,
Jerry & Kathy Welter
Rob Andersen
10/08/2010
The Clayton Ridge Wrestling community sends its deepest sympathies to the family of Dave Harty. Dave was a big part of helping us getting a wrestling program started here in Guttenberg and was always ready and willing to answer the constant barage of questions from me. He was a great man and one of the sport of wrestlings biggest supporter. He will be greatly missed.
Rest in Peace Dave
Coach Rob Andersen and the Clayton Ridge Wrestling Team
Dr. Bruce Ennen
10/08/2010
To The Dave Harty Family,
It is with great sadness that I send my sympathy to your family. I always admired Dave and looked up to him. He was a great inspiration to me as an official and will be dearly missed. Without a doubt, the world is a better place because of Dave.
My deepest sympathy,
Bruce Ennen DVM
Muscatine Iowa
Carol Greta
10/08/2010
Kay and Family,
Dave was retired before I was appointed to the Board of Control, but it was my privilege to work with Dave in my capacity as attorney for the Department of Education when we revised some of the athletic eligibility rules. We had a lot of fun working on the rules, and my one regret is that the Department was never able to get a specific rule passed that Dave really wanted done regarding foreign exchange students. I've always called it the "Dave Harty Rule." He was a wonderful role model for Iowa's youth, and always acted in the best interests of students. Dave made a big impact on many people.
Carol
Mike Braden
10/08/2010
Dave gave me my first shot at officiating at the Iowa High School Wrestling Tournament which I am grateful. He truly enjoyed promoting high school wrestling and was always a true professional. I always enjoyed his stories of coaching and officiating. He will be missed!
Rollie Wiebers
10/08/2010
Kay and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. The State of Iowa and it's athletes and athletic programs were fortunate that Dave worked in the capacity that he did. He served the youth of Iowa in an outstanding manner and was truly a great role model for all of us. Rollie Wiebers Superintendent Charter Oak-Ute Community Schools