Dale H. Harms

Dale H. Harms was born on June 17, 1928, to Harry and Gladys (Caldwell) Harms in Gratiot County, Michigan. God called him home on March 16, 2017, reaching the age of 88 years. 

Dad spent his childhood on the family farm. He often told us of happy times: hunting in the woods, farming with horses, and learning to be the man that he became. He was afflicted with asthma from birth, and it was a constant battle for him to breathe. 

When Dad was eleven years old, he accepted the Lord as his personal Savior and was baptized by his father, on Feb, 11, 1940, in Newark, Michigan. His faith in God was real! It was evident to everyone who knew him. 

As a young girl, Mom, Viola Mae Buerge, was attending revival meetings in Newark, Michigan. When she stood to show her decision to accept the Lord, Dad noticed her. She became his bride on May 23, 1948. Rodney and Sherilyn were born before they moved to Walnut Hill, Florida. Betty, Richard, and Rebecca were born in the south where we as a family enjoyed many wonderful years. Our parents were custom made, just for us, but neighbors and friends were always welcome at our house and often ate at our table. Dad loved to sing, and after work in the evenings he would sit in the living room with the new Stamps Baxter song book. Starting at the first page, he eventually sang every song. His voice would ring through the house making special memories for us.

Dad continued to struggle with his asthma. In May of 1965, Minister Albert Unruh was in Walnut Hill. It was decided that it would be the Lord’s will to have a healing prayer for Dad. A miracle happened, and Dad was healed! It was an experience that would be paramount the rest of Dad’s life. 

In the fall of 1978, Dad and Mom moved to Faunsdale, Alabama, where they made their home in the new congregation. Later, they moved to Montezuma. 

After we children were married, Dad and Mom decided to volunteer for mission work. Because of Mom’s health, most of their time was spent with USA Missions, although they did spend some time in Guatemala. Those years were highlights for them! 

Dad was always a gentleman. He worked at the Montezuma Funeral Home as an assistant, a job that he loved. He was a friend to everyone, and he had a heart for those who were grieving. 

When Mom passed away, Dad was very lonely. He kept busy in his wood shop until the day he graciously moved to Bethel Home, where he spent the last six months. He often spoke of going to Heaven, and we are so thankful that God has granted his wish. 

Those left to cherish memories are: Rodney and Glenda Harms, Baker City, Oregon, Sherry and Clayton Yost, Montezuma, Betty and Richard Nichols, Faunsdale, Alabama, Starla Harms, Montezuma, Becky and Carl Dyck, Bowersville, Georgia., Rebecca and Joe Zimmerman, Stover, Missouri; 19 grandchildren; 58 great grandchildren; his sisters: Dorothy Benner; Ruth, Mrs. David Benner; Thelma, Mrs. Gerald Boeckner; and a brother, Don Harms; and two sisters-in-law, Pauline Harms and Janis Harms. Preceding him in death were: his wife, Viola; a son, Richard; his parents; two brothers, Marshall and Lowell; one sister, Phyllis Unruh Justus; and two brothers-in-law, Leon Benner and Roy Unruh. 

Funeral service will be held at Montezuma Mennonite Church on Tuesday March 21, 2017 at 10:30 AM with Ministers Donald Koehn, Charles Schmidt, and Jody Nichols presiding. Burial will follow at Montezuma Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Monday March 20, 2017 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.