Garald Harris

Garald A. Harris, 88, of Wiota, Iowa, passed away Friday, March 17, 2017, at Atlantic Specialty Care.

Garald Arthur Harris was born on May 24, 1928, in Omaha, Nebraska. He was adopted by Ernest Ellsworth and Ethel Gertrude (Holaday) Harris, and the family lived on a farm south of Anita. In 1935, the family moved to a farm south of Wiota, and he attended Wiota Consolidated School, graduating in 1945. Garald was a player on the 1944, state championship baseball team.

A first date with Dorothy Morgan to the junior-senior prom led to marriage four years later on April 25, 1948. Garald and Dorothy farmed in the Wiota area for six years. In 1954, they moved into Wiota, and Garald was employed at Walnut Grove for the next 35 years. The couple was blessed with six children. They were active partners in a car wash business in Omaha. Dorothy passed away in 1983.

In July of 1984, he married Barbara Aldag Havens. They continued in the carwash business until 1986. After Garald retired the couple designed and built a wonderful home in Wiota. In 1992, Garald and Barb started wintering in south Texas. While there Gerald sang with the Mission United Methodist Church Choir and the Senior Ambassadors. He loved to sing! Barbara passed away in 2013.

Garald was a lifelong member of the Wiota United Methodist Church and served 32 years on the Wiota Fire Department. He enjoyed golfing, and served as secretary of the Southwest Iowa Senior Golfers for five years. Garald was an avid sports fan; whether it was always being in attendance at his kids' or grandkids' games or watching the St. Louis Cardinals on T.V. His kids will always treasure the countless memories made on camping trips to Lake Okoboji and Black Hawk Lake.

Garald is survived by his children, Kathy (Ned) Brown of Atlantic, JoBeth (Rich) Scholl of West Des Moines, Beverly Heaton of Waukee, Carol Karns of Birmingham, AL, Peggy (Joel) Berg of Anita, and Gary (Sally) Harris of Des Moines; special friend, Shirley Juhl; 15 grandchildren, Heather Schorle, Janna Brown, Aaron, Logan and Morgan Scholl, Michelle Renken, Brooke Heaton, Laura Karns Fischer, Nick and Tony Karns, Matt and Erik Mardesen, Nathan Berg, and Jordan and Carli Harris; 15 great-grandchildren; step-children, Steve (Linda) Havens of Wiota and Nancy (Ted) Sojka of Decorah; 8 step-grandchildren; 13 step-great-grandchildren; and sister, Rita Kathleen (Barry) Biggs of Des Moines.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Ethel Harris; first wife, Dorothy Harris; second wife, Barbara Harris; and brothers, Dr. Duane Harris and Dean Harris.

Visitation with the family will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 21st at Roland Funeral Home

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 22nd at Roland Funeral Home, with Pastor Jerry Neal of the Marne United Methodist Church officiating.

Burial will be in the Atlantic Cemetery.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Garald's family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com

In Remembrance

Garald A. Harris

BORN
May 24, 1928 ~ Omaha, Nebraska

ENTERED INTO REST
March 17, 2017 ~ Atlantic, Iowa
At the age of
88 Years, 9 Months & 21 Days

FUNERAL SERVICES
10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Roland Funeral Home ~ Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIATING
Pastor Jerry Neal
United Methodist Church ~ Marne, Iowa

MUSICIANS
Judy Marnin
Heather Schorle
Janna Brown

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“How Great Thou Art” “Because He Lives”

CASKET BEARERS
Matt Mardesen
Erik Mardesen
Nathan Berg
Aaron Scholl
Logan Scholl
Doug Schorle

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Doug Overmeyer
Lloyd Reed
Maynard Hansen
Robert Keller
George Behrends

INTERMENT
Atlantic Cemetery ~ Atlantic, Iowa

Please join the family for lunch at the
Wiota United Methodist Church following services at the cemetery.