Galen Henry Harms was born in Monticello Hospital on September 29, 1933, to Edward and Martha (Rickels) Harms from Amber, Iowa. Galen was the youngest of two children. He attended Wayne country school daily riding his horse across the fields to school, then in 4th grade he moved with his family to Amber. Amber's country school was located across from his family's home till 8th grade. Galen graduated from Monticello High School in 1952. He was very active in East Wayne Eagles 4H and FFA.

Galen started earning money at a young age to help his parents. He began to train horses to ride for a family rancher for a Nebraska Indian Chief. As the story goes, he was asked to attend the Chief's son's wedding, where he presented his son with a trained white horse ridden by Galen. He received the prestigious and coveted National award at the Chicago 4-H for raising the best showmanship of Chester White Hogs as a member of Ed Harms & Sons Chester White Hogs.

Galen met the love of his life, Zita (Ress) Harms when visiting the Averill House with his best friend (Duane Wendt) that had several apartments that housed St. Luke's nurses.  He took Zita on a Roller-skating date and several dances to the Armar Ballroom in Marion and love blossomed from there. Galen and Zita enjoyed many date nights dancing to Leo Greco, Benny Goodman, Guy Lombardo, and Lawrence Welk. Galen married his sweetheart, Zita on May 24, 1959, in Manning Iowa at Zion Lutheran Missouri Church.

Galen bought a farm in Amber across the highway from his parents in 1959, to begin their family. Galen worked many jobs over the years around his farm life, starting with his family business Ed Harms & Son Chester White Hogs, Georgia Pacific in Monticello, 25 years at Kmart in Marion, the First National Bank in Cedar Rapids, and the Social Security Office in Cedar Rapids. Through it all, Galen & his wife were one of the fortunate farmers who were able to pay their farm off in the depression of the 70s and 80s. All while working, Galen farmed his land and planted corn, oats, and hay in the most organic way; by not using pesticides or weed sprays and tilled manure into God's land and used the method of crop rotation. Galen loved farming, milking his Jersey cows, raising Chester white hogs, and black Angus cattle.

Galen planted several grape arbors on a 5-acre plot he and his wife made Christmas wreaths out of the grape vines as family heirloom gifts. Planning his next project in 2004, he planted many pine trees to sell as Christmas trees. This became a dream for Galen as he passed the farm onto the next farmer.

In 2005, after more than 70+ years of farming, Galen & Zita moved to Anamosa. Bringing a garage full of gardening tools and his farming skills. He planted peach trees and an apple tree and every year thereafter, a large flower bed for his wife, and a garden to share with their family & neighbors.

Galen loved farming and more than life itself, he loved his grandchildren deeply, Galen & Zita went to all their grandson's baseball games, and took a baseball through their car window. Galen & Zita attended Sunday school events, Cub & Boy Scout honors & award nights, going to Linn Mar football games to watch Kurt play and Forrest play the drums at 1/2 time in marching band, along with many band concerts & parades. With eager anticipation, in February 2019, he met his youngest Grandson named Duane "Junior" after his own son & his best friend. Galen's daughter Diane & her sons kept him busy; but made him proud to be an ISU Father & Grandfather. Galen & Zita attended ISU football games, ISU Honor Awards, and 4 ISU Graduations.

Galen was baptized on October 22, 1933, and confirmed on Pentecost Sunday, June 9, 1946, at Wayne Zion Lutheran Church by Revs. Willms & Kehren, respectively. He was a lifetime member of WZLC, where he attended Sunday School, catechism, and church with his parents and grandparents. He served 4 years on the church council, volunteered numerous times, enjoyed working the food pantry with his wife, and loved being an usher for many years. One of his proud family history stories he told; he would remind his children that his great grandfather was one of the founding fathers of WZLC.

Living a simple farming life as the couple began their journey, just 4 nights ago, you may have caught Galen & Zita at the kitchen table in a game of cards or listening to Lawrence Welk's Champagne Music on tv or Dale Herren / Leo Greco singing from a CD. Galen loved telling family stories ..with each passing year, the story grew longer.

Galen leaves behind his devoted wife, Zita married 64 years & blessed with 3 children, Gaile of Anamosa, Duane & Jeanette Harms of Anamosa, and Diane & Larry Martinson of Marion. 7 Grandchildren Kurt, Forrest, & Amanda Martinson, Kristine Munier, KristineJen Grevarra, Duane, Jr. & AbbeyLee Harms. 4 Great Grandchildren & 4 Godchildren: David Schlueter, Elaine Michels, Allison Erickson, & Paul Ehlers.

Preceding him in death are his parents Edward & Martha Harms Brother Raymond Harms. Parents in-laws Hugo & Ola Ress Sister-in-law Ramona Ress, & Brother in-laws Hugo & Benjamin Ress. His brother Raymond, age 92 preceded him in death on 10/21/20. His parents and grandparents welcomed him in heaven.