John F. Harms, 78, of Howards Grove, WI, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, March 9,
2024.
John was born on August 14, 1945, to the late Carl and Marie (Zuengler) Harms in Howards Grove, WI. He
graduated from Howards Grove High School as valedictorian of the Class of 1963. After high school, John
attended Lakeland University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree. He furthered his education and
received his master’s degree from Drake University.
On August 5, 1967, John was united in marriage to JoAnn Richter. Together they celebrated 56 years of marriage.
John was a teacher for 31 years at Howards Grove High School until his retirement in 2002. He also coached
football, basketball, golf, volleyball and baseball for Howards Grove High School. John enjoyed doing jigsaw and
crossword puzzles; going up north with family; playing skat, poker, sheepshead, cross cribb, and progressive
rummy; watching and playing sports. He loved spending time with his family, especially time with his
grandchildren either at their sporting events or assisting them with math homework.
John is survived by his wife JoAnn Harms; four children, Kristin (Daniel) Murphy, Keri (Brett) Koenig, Michael
(Kelly) Harms and Matthew (Stephanie) Harms; ten grandchildren; Kelsey (Jake) Frericks, Kassidy (fiancé Mason)
Murphy, Khloe Murphy, Konnor (fiancé Taylor) Koenig, Julia (significant other Brandon) Koenig, Kyle Koenig,
Genasys and Jonah Harms, Owen and Hope Harms; one great-grandson Carson Frericks; sisters, Carol Horness,
Janet Schueler, Judy (Fred) Westermeyer, Molly (Bill) Weiler, and Sandra Harms; brother, Carl (Donna) Harms; one
sister-in-law Helen Harms; in-laws, Carl (Mary Austin) Richter, Wally (Beth) Richter, Diane (Richard) Ninnemann;
many nieces and nephews; many other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents Carl and Marie Harms; in-laws Carl and Edna Richter; one sister Mary
Harms; one brother Allan Harms; brothers-in-laws Orlin Schueler and Ralph Horness; in-laws Clarence and Elvira
Richter and Joyce Richter; niece Ann Westermeyer; nephew Henry Westermeyer; one granddaughter Jordin Koenig;
and one great-niece Brianna Westermeyer.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on, Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Zimmer Westview Funeral &
Cremation Care Center, W2132 Garton Rd. Sheboygan, WI 53083, with Pastor Heidi Borkenhagen of First United
Lutheran Church in Sheboygan officiating. A public visitation will be held from 12:00 PM until the time of John’s
service.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in John’s name.
John’s family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Sharon S. Richardson and The Waterford at
Plymouth.
Please visit our website to share your stories and leave your condolences for the family
www.zimmerfuneralhome.com.
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