Charles “Charlie” Robert Harm, born on November 8, 1947, in Ida Grove, Iowa, to Vernace Robert “Bob” and Norma Jean (Kastner) Harm, was the oldest of four children. He was baptized on December 14, 1947, and confirmed on March 26, 1961, both at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. Charlie attended Schleswig High School until his father’s passing, at which point he left to help support the family. He later earned his GED, a testament to his hard work ethic and determination, traits that began taking shape after his father’s death.
On February 18, 1967, Charlie married the love of his life, Nola Ang, at the Lutheran Church in Ricketts, Iowa. Together, they built a family and welcomed two children, Barry and Brandee.
Charlie served in the Army National Guard from 1967 to 1972. In 1970, he began a career in plumbing and heating, working alongside Fred Kollbaum at Fred’s Plumbing & Heating in Kiron. By 1979, he had purchased the business, and he and Nola formed Charlie’s Plumbing & Heating. Charlie poured his heart into his work, serving countless customers and forming lifelong friendships. Even after retiring due to health challenges, he took pride in seeing his son, Barry, continue the family business until Barry’s passing in 2022.
Never one to sit idle, Charlie fulfilled his “farmer” instincts by raising sheep and other animals on the farm of his uncle and aunt, Orbin and Shirley Kastner. This arrangement fostered a special bond across generations. Shirley’s goats, cats, and dogs—along with horses for Nola—added to the farm’s lively atmosphere.
Charlie took great pleasure in tending his vegetable garden, particularly enjoying strawberries from Nola’s patch. Planting potatoes by Good Friday was a tradition he upheld every year, and he delighted in sharing his extra produce with friends and neighbors.
In 2012, Charlie underwent a knee replacement and became a familiar figure walking to the QuikMart for coffee. Even after losing his leg and moving to a nursing home, his spirit remained strong. Faith was central to Charlie’s life. As an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church, he and Nola devoted their time to various roles within the congregation.
Charlie was known for his strong work ethic, big-hearted nature, and a voice that commanded respect but carried a soft heart behind it. He took immense pride in his family and cherished hearing about their lives and accomplishments.
On December 14, 2024, Charlie passed away at Regency Park Nursing Home in Carroll, Iowa, at the age of 77 years, one month, and six days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Norma Harm; his son, Barry Harm; his parents-in-law, Wilmer and Maxine Ang; and his brother-in-law, Doug Lambertson; stepfathers, August Maack and Ed Rehan.
Charlie is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nola Harm of Kiron; his daughter Brandee (Steve) Schultz of Kiron; his grandchildren: Sydney Harm of Denver, Savannah and Jesse Preul of Boone, Kyle Schultz of Kiron, and Peyton Schultz (fiancé Tanner Schramm) of Missouri Valley; great-grandson, Brooks Preul; and a great-grandbaby Preul on the way. He is also survived by his sisters: Cheri (Jim) Streck of Schleswig, and Carol Lambertson of Kiron; brother, Clark (Deb) Harm of Indian Trail, NC; sisters-in-law, Norma Bieret of Wall Lake, Nancy (Herman) Kohnekamp of Kiron and Adrienne Ang of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA; brother-in-law, John (Jean) Ang of Kiron; many extended family members and dear friends.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
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