Shirley Harms

Hastings resident, Shirley Ann (Gulzow) Harms, 80, passed away Saturday, August 20, 2016 at Bryan Medical Center West, Lincoln, Nebraska.

Celebration of Life will be Saturday, August 27, 2016; 10:30 A.M. at First St. Paul's Lutheran Church with Pastor Joel Remmers officiating. Private family burial will be at a later date. There will be no viewing or visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Prayer Shawl Ministry or Cross Makers of First St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

Shirley was born on June 6, 1936 to Herb & Lydia (Meinke) Gulzow in Grand Island, Nebraska. Shirley moved to Hastings at an early age and continued her education through the Hastings Public Schools, achieving many honors in debate and was selected as a Girl's State representative during her high school career. During her college career, she met her best friend Leslie "Les" Harms and married the love of her life. They enjoyed over sixty wonderful years of marriage and were the parents of three sons, Steve, Craig, and Doug. Shirley and Les gave their three sons every opportunity to reach their highest potential through their love, care, education, travel, books, and the arts. Shirley's dream was to become a registered nurse and she achieved that goal and later was selected as the "Nebraska Nurse of the Year." While a staff nurse at Mary Lanning Healthcare, she was asked to create a Home Health and Hospice Care department for the hospital. During that career, Shirley expanded the original department to include satellite stations in Minden, Red Cloud, and Superior. Also, Shirley was asked to make presentations nationally across the country concerning Home Health.

Shirley was an active member of First St. Paul's Lutheran Church, serving in many capacities. The Stephen's Ministry program was a major part of her spiritual life serving as a leader and active caregiver. She served as a Sunday school teacher, choir member, lay reader, prayer shawl ministry, Book Club, and an active member of the women of the church. Her faith was a major influence in her life, and it guided her decision making during her lifetime.

She took great pride in her grandchildren and they brought her great joy. Her latest joy was the addition of two great-grandchildren.

Her myriad of hobbies included painting, playing mahjong, being a very gifted writer plus her flowers were a source of great enjoyment. She took great joy in camping with the family, and she and Les enjoyed traveling immensely. After touring the lower 48 states, they also toured Alaska and Hawaii. Great Britain and European travel were also a part of their itinerary. She grew to love their many adventures traveling in their Corvette and attending club activities.

Shirley made a difference with her life and many people are the beneficiaries of it.

SURVIVORS:
Best Friend & Husband:
Les Harms - Hastings, NE
Sons & Spouses:
Steve & Connie Harms - Lenexa, KS
Craig & Susie Harms - Manhattan, KS
Douglas & Carol Harms - Molokai, HI
Grandchildren & Spouses:
Annie & Greg McLeod - Shawnee Mission, KS
Ryan Harms & special friend Kirby Felgate - Lenexa, KS
Drew Harms - Boulder, CO
Christina & Ryan Burns - Lenexa, KS
Nicolette Harms - Lenexa, KS
Jackson Harms - Manhattan, KS
Step-Grandchildren & families:
Zach & Fanchette Robinson - Maui, HI
Amber, Makena, Alyssa & Hoku
Charis & Tim Allenbaugh - Eugene, OR
Mason, Charlotte & Gretta
Great-Grandchildren:
Isaac McLeod - Shawnee Mission, KS
Audrey McLeod - Shawnee Mission, KS
Sister:
Marilynn Addington - Loveland, CO
Numerous Nieces, Nephews & a host of special friends