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Donald Paul Harjes, 92, of Victoria, Texas, formerly of Storm Lake, passed away Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, at his home.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 14, at Grace Lutheran Church in Storm Lake at 11 a.m. with Pastor Bradley Ketcham officiating. The American Legion of Newell will provide military service following the funeral. Interment to be held at a later date.
Donald, as well as his twin sister, were born in Storm Lake to the late Fredrick and Matilda Meyers Harjes on Jan. 5, 1932. Donald was raised on a farm, attended and graduated from Hayes Consolidated School. Donald was very proud to serve his country and served with the United States Army from 1952-1954 during Korea. Donald began working for the United States Department of Agriculture and retired after 25 years of service.
Donald was united in marriage to Beverly Johnson Oct. 16, 1955, at Grace Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. They were blessed with three children: Debra, Douglas and Daniel. Donald enjoyed playing softball, coaching little league baseball, pitching horseshoes, playing pool on Saturdays with brother Harold along with Doug and Dan and playing cards with the boys. He enjoyed golf leagues as well as he and Bev would find husband and wife 2-ball golf tournaments to golf, making many friends along the way. He enjoyed gardening and had a very “green thumb” with his tomatoes, cucumbers as well as roses. His well-known “grandpa’s dill pickles” were always a hit with his children and grandchildren. He always made enough to share with his children and they made a point of saving a few jars for the holidays. He was a very devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church.
Left to share Donald’s memory is his loving wife of 69 years, Beverly Johnson Harjes of Victoria, Texas; daughter Deb (Greg) Klimeck of Paulina; sons: Doug (Carrie) Harjes of Ankeny; Dan (Vicky) Harjes of Victoria, Texas. Donald also leaves behind grandchildren: Jenika (Justin) Stamer, Ashley (Scott) Wallin, Derek (Kyla) Harjes, Nate Harjes, Seth (Madison) Harjes, Chelsea (Chris) Soul and Katie (Ricky) Taylor; step-grandchildren: Mary (Shawn) Van Fosson, Jeremy (Sara) Klimeck, Daniel Klimeck, Nick (Julie) Charley and Kelsey (Joe) Germain; 22 great-grandchildren; and numerous extended families, all of whom will cherish his memory.
Those that have preceded him in death were his parents; brother Harold Harjes; and sisters: Ardell Swanson, Vera Bradley, Helen Hoffman and twin sister Donna Mae Francis.
