Gene R. Harms
Gene R. Harms , Age 85
Gene R. Harms, age 85, of Baraboo, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Dec. 23, 2020 in Ft. Myers, Florida.
Gene is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shirley Harms along with their four children, Gena (David) Ardelt, Janet Harms, Jason Harms and John (Joan) Harms. His nine grandchildren, Addie (Andrew) Degenhardt, Allison Ardelt, Abbie (Jeffrey) Haugen, Tommy (Fiance Mykl Wolter) Bode, Kate Harms, Caylen Harms, John Tyler Harms, Hayden Harms, and Elena Harms. And his four great-grandchildren, Emme and Bracie Degenhardt, Graham and Eloise Haugen. He is further survived by his brothers, Roger (Diane) Harms of Bella Vista, Arkansas and Wendell "Bobbie" Harms of Anaheim, California.
Gene was born on Sept. 24, 1935, son of John J. and Kate (Hoodjer) Harms, in Steamboat Rock, Iowa. After graduating from Iowa Falls High School, Gene went on to wrestle at Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa where he received his bachelors degree in Physical Education. Gene started his career in 1961 at Baraboo High School (BHS) and retired with BHS in 1994. During his time as a physical education teacher, Gene started the high school wrestling program as well as coached volleyball. Gene was a well-known and popular participant in the auction belt. He even held a couple auctions himself on the Ye Ole Plantation. He was a member of St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Baraboo.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Deloris "Dee" (Orrin) Cunningham of Hansell, Iowa, Caroline (Willie) Kruse of Lone Rock, Iowa, Imogene (Dale) Furman of Bradford, Iowa, Sharon (John) Aalfs of Coulter, Iowa and brothers, John Ervin Harms of Osage, Iowa and Duane E. Harms of Denver, Iowa.
There will be a graveside service for Gene later in 2021. The Redlin Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Condolences
Randy and Roxanne Boyd December 29, 2020
Friends Buckeye , Arizona
Shirley and family, There are no words to express our sadness of Gene passing. He was definitely one of the good guys and will be greatly missed.
Joey Kirsch December 30, 2020
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Im sorry for your loss...to all the Ardelts my good, good friends. I liked him.
ron campbell December 30, 2020
Wrestled for Coach Harms ontario , Wisconsin
I was sorry to hear about Gene. He was a Great Coach and Guy. He had a large impact on my life. His persistence started me in wrestling. To this day I'm still grateful I participated in the sport and that he was my coach.
Todd Barton December 30, 2020
Students athlete Baraboo , Wisconsin
Rest in peace! Great coach and teacher .
Sue Trosper Sierer December 30, 2020
Colleague Baraboo , Wisconsin
I am sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed talking and working with Gene.
Jeff Kingston December 31, 2020
Wrestling Coach Madison , Wisconsin
Coach Harms helped me grow as a person, helped my family after I had a serious car crash, and was a great caring person. I was fortunate to be able to see him while he was recovering from surgery a few years ago. He was a very positive part of me early life.
Kim Bockenhauer December 31, 2020
Colleague Baraboo High School Baraboo , Wisconsin
I am so sorry for your loss. I truly enjoyed working with Gene, he was always smiling, as long as he wasn't coaching wrestling. He took that very seriously!
Ken Pierce January 01, 2021
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
So sorry to learn of Genes passing. To this day Mr. Harms seems more appropriate. Great Man, Great Coach, Great Friend. He makes my very short list on people that influenced my life. A Maker Of Men. A very special person.
Dave & Lynn Zimmerman January 06, 2021
Former students North Freedom , Wisconsin
Our heartfelt sympathy. Mr Harms was my very first gym teacher and my Senior class advisor. He would always take the time to talk, when you’d see him out and about. He will be missed by many!
Kevin Campbell January 06, 2021
Former student and lifelong friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Coach Harms was a mentor and a second father to me. He stood by me through all my wrestling career. I stood by him through all of his coaching career. I will miss him and love him for all he taught me about life, then and now. My condolences to his family.
John Bennin January 11, 2021
former neighbor and friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
I have known Gene as a friend for nearly all of the years that I have lived in Baraboo. My condolences especially to Shirley, Gena and Janet who were neighbors and friends during the time we lived on Hill Street.