"Marlan was a joy to take care of. Thinking of you all in this time of sorrow. Mary Ann Neppl"
In loving memory of
Marlan Arlene Harm
August 26, 1924 - October 24, 2021
Marlan Arlene Kastner Harm was born August 26th, 1924 to Robert Edward and Helen Johanna Wellendorf Kastner on their family farm near Kiron, Iowa. She was baptized in Christ on November 2, 1924 and later confirmed her faith on March 17, 1940 at Friedens Evangelical and Reformed Church in Schleswig, Iowa. Marlan grew up on the farm and attended rural school at Otter Creek No. 5 and later graduated from Kiron High School in 1942.
On September 11, 1943 she was united in marriage to Irvin A.W. Harm at Zion Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Florida. After Irvin served in WWII, the couple returned to the family farm and were blessed with seven children: Coleen, Darwin, Cheryloleen, Carlan, Irvin Jr., Rhonda, and Richard (Rick). She and Irvin also made a home for two of their grandchildren, LeeAnn and Jason. Marlan and Irvin later retired and moved to Denison in 1981.
Marlan embodied the values America was built on: hard work, sacrifice, discipline, love for her family, and above all else, faith in Jesus Christ. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who kept busy on the farm with chores, gardening, and cooking countless meals for family & farmworkers. She was also a talented baker, her perfected specialties being cinnamon rolls, chiffon cake, & cashew brittle. She also loved to can garden produce and make pickles.
Marlan was a devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church in Denison, Iowa. In addition to Marlan's countless hours dedicated to working on the farm, she was also employed by Eventide Lutheran Home and Denison Care Center for many years.
Marlan passed away October 24, 2021 at Eventide Lutheran Home attaining the age of 97 years, 1 month, and 27 days. In addition to her parents and parents-in-law, she was preceded in death by her husband, Irvin; two daughters, Cheryloleen in infancy and Carlan at age 16; three adult sons: Darwin, Irvin Jr., and Rick; granddaughter, LeeAnn McKibben; great-grandson, Maxwell McKibben; son-in-law, Dale Wessel; sister, Norma Rehan; brother, Orben Kastner; two brothers-in-law, Wilbur and Robert Harm; and sister-in-law, Anna Harm.
Survivors include two daughters, Coleen Bruhn and husband Dennis of Schleswig and Rhonda Wessel-Goslar and husband Byron of Lake View; 10 grandchildren: Mindi (Charles), Denna (Jim), Jodi (Ryan), Dee Dee, Danel (John), Jason (Cammie), Justin (Carla), Jami (Andrew), Jillian (Scott), and Chris; 21 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Shirley Kastner of Denison; daughter-in-law, Diane Taylor of Denver, CO; grandson-in-law, Matt McKibben of Mapleton; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Visitation is 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, October 29, 2021 at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Funeral Service is 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. Interment is in Crawford Heights Memory Gardens in Denison. Memorials may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church or Eventide.
Tributes
"Hard work and doing ?chores? - all learned from my grandma - helped shape me and helped me become the person I am today. As a young girl eating her chiffon cake and cinnamon rolls were the absolute best! I thank God all of us ?cousins? had the opportunity to explore the farm and create memories and laughter for a lifetime. Grandma I am so blessed to have had you a part of my life until I was 52 years old. Thank you for everything you did for me and all the special times we had together. Love, Granddaughter Dani "
"Marlan lost so many children way before their time, but always remained rock solid in her faith without becoming bitter. The last year+ of her life, having to work around the Covid rules, had to be excruciating for her and you girls, Rhonda and Coleen. Again, she remained steadfast. Your family is amazing! And it's all rooted in your faith in Christ and his promise of eternal life. You have our sympathies and prayers for strength at this time. Renee and Butch Miller"
"Marlan was an extremely loving lady that has lived through so much heartache with still being close to our Lord. God has NOW granted this special lady Peace. She was so special to our family with her Trust In Our Lord."