Rev. David G. Harms

Harms, Rev. David G. 74 Nov. 11, 1936 Sept. 21, 2011 The Rev. Harms, a retired Lutheran Pastor, passed away surrounded by his family after a two year struggle with cancer. David was born in Minneapolis, Minn., to Earnest and Alvina Harms. Baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church, David graduated from Washburn High School in 1954 and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1955. He was stationed in Tokyo, Japan, in the Army Security Agency. On May 30, 1958, David married Joan Stengel in Minneapolis. He entered Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, Ill., in September 1958. David completed his studies there and at Valparaiso University in Indiana in 1963. He was first called to serve as Assistant Pastor at St. Paulos Lutheran Church in San Francisco. In 1965, David was called to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in the Cedar Mill area of Northwest Portland. He remained there until his retirement in 1998. In ministry, he served as Circuit Counselor and on the committee of Professional Church Workers for the Northwest District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. In retirement, he served other local parishes: Good Shepherd Lutheran in Southwest Portland, Hope Lutheran in Woodburn and Our Redeemer Lutheran in Tigard. David loved nature and the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and camping. He loved people and easily became friends with everyone from the smallest child to the elderly of the congregations he served in a genuine way. He loved his family and enjoyed planning several fun trips with all the children and grandchildren. David is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Jennifer Leung (Richard) of Eugene, Steve (Thereasa) of Wilsonville and Julie Gallagher (Kevin) of Olympia, Wash.; grandchildren, Andrew and Stephen Leung; Nathan, Sarah and Emily Harms; and Joshua, Jacob and Hannah Gallagher; sister, Gen Carlson of Bloomington, Minn.; two sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011, at Living Savior Lutheran Church, 8740 S.W. Sagert St., Tualatin. A private family service will be in Willamette National Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be given to the Lutheran Church of your choice, or to the Northwest District Office designated to the Professional Church Workers Fund, 1700 N.E. Knott St., Portland, OR 97212. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live." Jn. 11:25 (English Standard Version) For more information go to www.hillsidechapelfh.com.