Dennis LaVern Harms
Dennis LaVern Harms was born May 8, 1941, at home in Paoli, Colorado, to Irene Isabella (Gamsmere) and John Herman Harms. Dennis grew up in Paoli where he attended a 2-room school from 1st through the 8th grade. He then went to Haxtun High School and graduated with the class of 1959. Dennis was a bus driver when he was 16 years of age. He lived on the farm where he raised sheep and chickens. Dennis continued his education at Pueblo Community College, and he received a 2-year degree.
In September of 1961 Dennis married Charlotte Ricker. While living in Colorado, Dennis was employed at several businesses throughout the years. He had his own machine shop in Holyoke and he also worked at the Mining Company, Sugar Factory, Tempte’s Trailers, Ricker Farms and Denny’s Fixit Wagon.
On Dec. 26, 1984, Dennis met Donna Elizabeth Tull on a fishing boat in Galveston, Texas. Dennis and Donna were married on May 7, 1985, and the couple settled in Holyoke with Dennis’s son Lyle. In August of 1988 they moved to Imperial where Dennis was employed at Coop as they contracted his welding expertise. He later worked for MarLant Industries, building and maintaining car washes. He also mowed lawns.
Dennis enjoyed fishing, camping and boating. He especially loved spending time with his family.
Dennis passed away Sunday morning, Jan. 22, 2023, at the Chase County Community Hospital, Imperial. He was 81 years of age.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents Irene and John Harms; brothers Kenny Harms and brother Orville (Bonnie Jean) Harms; sister Janet Harms (Jim) Davis; and brother-in-law Tom Davis.
Survivors include wife Donna of Imperial; children Judy (Wesley) Freier of Aurora, Colorado, Joan Smith of Brighton, Colorado, Lyle Harms of Imperial and Jessica Noack of San Antonio, Texas; seven grandchildren Jeremiah Smith, Isaac Smith, Jondelle Burkett, Shayna Noack, Nicole Noack, Kevin Noack and Brooke Noack; two great-grandchildren Conner and Liam Burkett; sisters Theresa (James) Grogan of Haxtun, Colorado and Lorraine Greene of Julesburg, Colorado; brother Virgil (Eloise) Harms of Paoli, Colorado; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dennis’ wishes were for cremation with no visitation.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, June 24, 2023, 10 a.m. (MT) at the Imperial Berean Church, with Pastor Matt Maxwell officiating.
A memorial in Dennis’s memory has been suggested to the Harms family for a future designation.
Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com.
Liewer Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.