Tamara Ann Harken

Tamara Ann Harken, 63, of Grimes, IA, passed away on November 13, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Tamara was born on April 28, 1962, to John and Darlene Peters in Cedar Falls, Iowa. After graduating from Cedar Falls High School, she pursued a career in nursing. Throughout her 40-year career as a nurse, she worked in various nursing roles, and all were her favorites. The only type of nursing she hadn't done was O.R. nursing. Some of her most challenging and rewarding nursing experiences were as a flight nurse at the University of Iowa Hospital.

Tam met Dennis Harken, and they wed on August 3, 1996, in Iowa City, Iowa. Living in Minnesota, they went on to raise two children, Nathanael and Isabelle. Tam, Dennis, and Isabelle moved back to Iowa in July 2018, and Nathanael remained in the Twin Cities.

Tam served as the school board chair for Beacon Academy for many years while the kids were attending there. She spent her free time with her dearly loved family and friends. She was always excited to fish on the lakes of Minnesota and do seashelling in Florida on the Gulf shores.

Tam was passionate about her kids and about her faith in Christ. She found an opportunity to disciple other MOPS moms and later pursued and excelled at teaching women's Bible studies at New Hope Church. She was always learning and growing in her faith and drank in the teaching of so many faithful teachers of the Word of God.

Many family memories were made through Little League, dance competitions, a couple of trips to Disney World, football games, lacrosse tournaments, and several camping trips in our camper, with the most memorable being the trips to the Oshkosh air show. We will miss her greatly.

She is survived by her husband Dennis Harken; children Nathanael Harken and Isabelle Harken (Drew Van Zee); brother Mike (Keri Ann) Peters of Cedar Falls, IA. Mother-in-law Ramona Harken of Ackley, IA, brother-in-law Darrel (Christine) Harken of Riceville, IA, brother-in-law Dave (Cathy) Harken of Aplington, IA. Many nieces and nephews, and many grandnieces and grandnephews.

Tam was preceded in death by her parents, niece Grace Harken, father-in-law Eugene Harken, and grandnephew Zechariah Barrick.

The family requests that all flowers and memorials be sent to NorthPoint Church, 9901 NW 62nd Ave. Johnston, IA. Memorials can be made to the Harken Family to help cover final expenses.

There will be a visitation with family at 10:00am, a Celebration of Life at 11:00am, and a time of fellowship and luncheon at noon on Saturday, November 22nd, all held at NorthPoint Church, 9901 NW 62nd Ave. Johnston. Please enter the building through the south-facing doors/main entrance. Burial services will be held at a later date.

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