Obituary of Claris Harm

Claris “Jeff” was born March 12, 1926 to August and Lenora (Nelle) Luken in Granville, IA, third of six children. She attended St. Joseph School through Grade 10 and graduated from Paullina High School, class of 1942. While in high school, she was employed as night telephone operator at the local telephone company and bookkeeper/clerk at the family business, Farmers Lumber & Hardware Company, Granville. Following graduation in 1942, she joined aunts Lucille and Clara Luken in Washington, D.C. and was employed in the office at a restaurant within three blocks of the Capitol building. At the age of 18 she moved to Portland, Maine, and was employed at the U.S. Navy Base in Portland where her sister, Colleen, “Kitty” was stationed as a Navy W.A.V.E. When Kitty was transferred to Hawaii, Claris returned to Iowa, then attended the Northwest Institute of Medical Technology in Minneapolis. After completing the course she was employed at St.Thomas Mercy Hospital in Marshalltown, Iowa, until October, 1946. In March 1947 Claris moved to Sioux City, Iowa, and was employed in the offices of Dr. Carl Jacobs and Associates until 1956. On January 7, 1956 she married Alvin Harm in Canton, S.D. and they lived in Sioux City. On October 22, 1956 their son, Kevin was born in Sioux City. In 1957 they moved to Yankton, SD where she and Al were employed by Sioux Radio Products. Their daughter, Laurie was born in Yankton on October 8, 1958 and Claris returned to work at Sioux Radio Products a couple months later. In 1966 Claris began employment at Sacred Heart Hospital and worked in various business office positions until retirement in 1991 after 25 years. She volunteered for many community projects for more than 20 years after retirement. She enjoyed bowling, golf, walking her dog and gardening. Claris was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and Sacred Heart Church and a recipient of the 2005 Hazel Hani Award. Claris is survived by her children, Kevin (Kim) Harm of Columbus, NE and Laurie (Mike) Johnson of Yankton, SD; sister, Florence “Pat” Carnes of Holstein, IA; brother, Robert (Ruth) Luken of St. Paul, MN; grandchildren: Justin Johnson of Sioux City, IA, Allison (Kyle) Thomson of Sioux Falls, SD, Cory Harm of Wayne, NE and Cassie (Mark) Gubbels of Hartington, NE. Claris was preceded in death by her sisters: Colleen “Kitty” Harm, Ruth Schwarz and Carole (infancy). Memorials can be sent to Avera Sacred Heart Foundation, 501 Summit, Yankton, SD 57078-9967