Kathleen A. Harms

Sarasota, FL / Madison, WI -- Kathleen A. ""Kathy"" Harms, age 73 was escorted by heavenly angels on Saturday, January 16, 2010, where God embraced her loving spirit and gave her the gift of eternal life.   She was born on September 11, 1936 in Baraboo, the daughter of Ralph and Margaret (Neumann) Riley.   In 1954, Kathy graduated from DeForest High School.   Kathy met the love of her life, Forrest Harms, at a local dance in Rock Springs.    They were united in marriage at Lakeview Lutheran Church Chapel in Madison on May 5, 1956. For over 20 years, Kathy worked for her husband's business at Lutheran Mutual Life Insurance Company as a secretary.   She also volunteered her time for many years at Briar Patch in Madison. Together they lived in Madison six months out of the year and the balance of the year at their home in Sarasota, Florida. Kathy was a faithful member of West Middleton Lutheran Church in Verona and Faith Lutheran Church in Sarasota, Florida.   She loved the outdoors, nature and her flower gardens.   Kathy was an excellent cook and baker, the grandchildren can contest to that. Most of all, Kathy was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.   She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Kathy is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Forrest Harms, four children; Michael, Tim (Diane), Dan (Jackie) and Lisa (Jeff) Farr, seven grandchildren; Riley, Emme, Tori, Brittany, Nicole, Danielle and Angela, two sisters; Jeanne (Jim) Hoffman and Judy (Conrad) Ellingson and a foster sister; Doris Lord.   She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other loving family and numerous friends.   Kathy was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be held at WEST MIDDLETON LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3763 Pioneer Rd, Verona on Monday, January 25, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. David Brandfass officiating.   A visitation will be held at the church on Sunday, January 24, 2010 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and again at the church on Monday, January 25, 2010 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.   Graveside services will follow at Lakeview Lutheran Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Kathleen to Lutheran World Relief, P.O. Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21298-9832, West Middleton Lutheran Church, 3763 Pioneer Rd, Verona, WI 53593 or to the charity of your choice. Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord my soul to keep If I should die before I wake I pray the Lord my soul to take