John Richard Harms

John Richard Harms, 70, of Svensen, Oregon, passed away peacefully at home with his family on Aug. 31, 2016.

John was born and raised in Bismarck, North Dakota, where he met his wife, Lauren Opp, whom he knew since the first grade. John served our country for 32 years in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. He was stationed up and down the West Coast, Hawaii and Alaska. He also worked for the railroads, a mill and a highway department. After he retired as chief petty officer, he and George Parker started a contracting business.

John took great pleasure in spending time with family and friends and visiting with every person he met. He was always very interested in their life stories. He was known for his unique sense of humor.

John is survived by his wife, Lauren; daughter Mary Harms Grebner of Albany, Oregon, and partner Marcus Stovall; daughter Sheri Harms of Astoria, Oregon, and partner Brent Brunmeier; mother Beverly Harms of Roanoke, Virginia; sister Lt. Cmdr. Nancy Harms of Chatham, Virginia. He is also survived by his grandchildren Tyler Palek of Wasilla, Alaska, and partner Kelli Iverson; Heather Grebner of Albany, Oregon, and fiancé Cody Rey; Hannah Grebner of Bismarck, North Dakota; Austin Palek of Svensen, Oregon; Ryan Palek of Astoria, Oregon, and his great-grandson Carter Palek of Wasilla, Alaska.

John was preceded in death by his father and a sister.

His life will be celebrated at North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery in Mandan, North Dakota.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Knappa High School baseball program.