Bernard Duane Harms

VICTOR – Bernard D. “Bernie” Harms, 93 of Victor, Montana, passed away on Monday, May 23, 2022, in the comforts of his home. He was born November 5, 1928, the son of Jake and Grace (Vierkant) Harms, in Thornton, IA.

Bernie was raised on farms in Iowa and Wisconsin, running dairy farms in partnership with his parents. On April 18, 1948, He married his one true love, Eudora Mae Westergaard. In 1956, the young couple and their two children, sold their dairy farm and moved to Silver Bay, Minnesota. There, he worked at the Iron Ore Taconite Plant, as well as being a police officer part-time.

In 1961, he moved his family to the wilds of Phoenix, Arizona, to become a full-time police officer. He rapidly rose through the ranks and soon became a grade 3 detective. He retired from this position after 20½ years.

He owned his own auctioneering company as well as guarding judges at the courthouse. It was during these years, he found time to write his short stories and poetry, that he dearly loved. He was asked to join a team with the public defender’s office, to investigate crimes that happened on Indian Reservations. 7 years later, he retired again, and moved to Montana. He and his wife built their dream log home, where they had room and time for horses, cats, dogs, and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 71 years, Eudora, who passed away May 7, 2019; sister, Darlene; son, Steven; granddaughter, Sara; great grandson, baby Luke.

He is survived by his sister, Wilma (Clifton) Morse; daughter, Rebecca Lucio; foster son, Larry (Sally) Lowe; 4 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 3 ½ great great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held Friday, June 3, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., at the Victor Community Church, with Pastor Tim Hancock officiating. A graveside service will follow at the Corvallis Cemetery. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com

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