"My sympathies for the family. I did not know Glenda well but I do know that I used to golf with her on women's league. She was a good golfer but more than that she was so much fun and a very nice person."
In loving memory of
Glenda Harms
December 21, 2020
Glenda R. Harms, 57, of Fort Dodge passed away Monday, December 21, 2020 at Trinity Regional Medical Center after a relentless and unforgiving battle with Covid-19. She was surrounded by her loving family.
The Funeral Ceremony and Celebration of Life will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church on Friday, August 13, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. A visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the church. Laufersweiler Funeral Home is serving the family.
The service will be streamed live via the Saint Paul Lutheran Church Facebook page.
Glenda is survived by her husband, Jeff Harms of Fort Dodge; children, Amanda (Dana) Becker, Pete (Sam) Harms, and Mitch (Ashley) Harms all of Fort Dodge; grandchildren, Jacoby and Kellen Becker and Emma Harms; siblings, Mark (Jamie) Willard of Allen, TX, Mike (Missy) Willard of Valrico, FL, and Bonnie Murphy of Alleman, IA.
Glenda was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Betty (Mack) Willard.
Glenda Rae Willard was born August 20, 1962 in Clear Lake. As a young child, Glenda and her family moved to Fort Dodge. She attended Fort Dodge public schools and graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High in 1980. She started college at Northwest Missouri State, received her Bachelor's Degree from Buena Vista University, and her Master's in Education from Morningside College. On January 29, 1983 she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Jeff Harms at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge, Iowa. The couple established their home in Fort Dodge with their three children. Family was everything to Glenda. She fiercely loved her sister, brothers, and mother. She loved her sisters-in-law like her own sisters and all her nieces and nephews as well. Her children were blessed with a phenomenal mother, role model, friend, and advocate. Glenda loved her daughters-in-law and son-in law in the same manner she loved her own children. Her grandchildren have felt more love from their GG than many get to feel in a lifetime.
Glenda worked for the Fort Dodge public schools for over 20 years and was an adjunct professor at Buena Vista University for several years. She was currently employed with Prairie Lakes AEA as a challenging behavior coach. Glenda was a fierce and passionate champion for all students. She empowered all other educators to be a champion as well, through her modeling and support. The impact she has left on the lives of students, families, and educators within our community will forever be felt.
Glenda Rae Harms was truly an authentic and beautiful soul. Each and every person who crossed her path felt heard, loved, and valued. Glenda ensured that she led every interaction and endevor with unconditional empathy and respect. Glenda enjoyed playing golf with her husband, Jeff and friends. She was an avid reader and learner. Spending time with her family, especially her sweet grandkids, was her happy place. This amazing woman could find happiness anywhere God placed her. The following quote is from one of Glenda's favorite authors and advocates. Each person who has been impacted by Glenda Rae Harms will forever agree; she made them feel and believe they were somebody special.
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will NEVER forget the way you made them feel," Maya Angelou
Memorials will contribute to the Glenda Harms Memorial Scholarship.
Tributes
"I am sorry for your loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers."
"Jeff and family, Very sorry to hear about the passing of Glenda. I want to extend my condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Glenda was a great person and will be missed. Keeping you and your family in my prayers! Rick Hersom, Oskaloosa, IA."
"I will miss running into Glenda in lots of random places. She always had a smile and a humorous thing to say. She was the type of person who really listened and made you feel special. She was fierce, strong, smart, and passionate. I Know she is a guardian angel to many left behind on this earth. "
"To Glenda's family- I worked with Glenda at PLAEA and enjoyed every interaction I had with her. She was true to herself and her values and shared the seemingly infinite wisdom she had accrued during her years as an educator. We shared a fondness for the Golden Girls and Conway Twitty. Glenda will be missed by many in so many ways. May your memories embrace you during this time and in the future. Prayers and blessings to you! Kris Manteufel "
"Jeff - very sorry to learn of the passing of Glenda. Donna and I enjoyed the time we played golf with you both and the many times we would see you on the. Speaking from experience, there are tough days ahead so just take them one day at a time.. Will look forward to seeing you in the spring."
"Jeff, so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family. I will cherish the memory of the night at the Moose, filled with memories and laughter and friends! ??"
"So sorry to hear this bad news. I golfed with Glenda back in the day At the Legion Golf course. She was a delight!!! Prayers of comfort for the family."
"Jeff and family, So sorry for this sad news. Have not seen you since we were young playing baseball... Sounds like you and Glenda were a perfect fit. Hoping this times sadness is soon replaced by fond memories for you and your fine family. Again, condolences. Mark Brown, Spirit Lake"
"The last time I spoke with Glenda was a few years ago at ICCC library. We were neighbors in the 70?s. They lived just 2 doors down from us. So many memories of this family . My sympathies go out to her brothers and sister. May God grant you comfort and peace during this difficult time. ? Elaine Kilian "
"I had the opportunity to work with Glenda for several years through her role in the Challenging Behavior team. I will always remember her passion and selflessness in support of her students and fellow educators. I learned so much from her and will cherish those memories. "
"So sorry to hear of Glenda?s passing. We were classmates, neighbors and played in sports together during our high school years. I will always remember Glenda as a nice person and always a smile on her face. God bless the family that she has left behind and may he give you peace."
"I knew and worked with Glenda in the special education department in Fort Dodge. Her Dad hired me to teach in the FD school system. Her Mother was a friend of my moms. Glenda was a dedicated caring educator who went beyond her job. She was a wonderful sister and mother. She cared deeply for her family. Gone way too soon. May God bless her life and be with you at this time. "
"Gone way to soon... a dear colleague, friend, golfer, & fond memories of our holiday parties on the River Road!! I was so fortunate to have met such a beautiful, kind, intelligent spirit. God bless your family at this most difficult time... ? Ruth Aspenson"
"Condolences to Peter, Amanda and the entire family"
"Glenda helped my son graduate and was such a help to his dad and I. She was a wonderful teacher and person. My prayers to all her family, may she rest in peace."
"Glenda was always so friendly and her smile lit up a room! She was such a good judge of character. We enjoyed watching the boys sports together and chat about our mental health work with children in common. The world lost a wonderful woman but we are so glad she was here on earth and that our lives and friendships intersected ????"
"Although I barely knew Glenda, I knew Betty. I remember a conversation with Glenda about sharing a somewhat unusual first name. I asked if she was named after someone because I was named after Glenda Farrell - a 20's/30's actress. She said she didn't think so and asked Betty. Betty answered to the effect "jeepers, you were named after your uncle Glen". We laughed."
"So sorry for your loss Amanda and family. I worked with your mom years ago at FDSH. She was a wonderful person and will be sadly missed. "
"I am sorry for your loss, please know that I am thinking of you all."