Lonnie Lee Harms, 56, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Sunday, June 12, 2022, at CHI Health Emergency Dept. – Lakeside in Omaha, Nebraska.
Lonnie was born December 5, 1965, in Newton, Kansas to Clayton and Virginia Harms. He married Sandra “Sandy” Lindell on April 23, 1988, and she preceded him in death on November 8, 2021.
Growing up in Whitewater, Kansas, he was active in FFA and 4-H, showing hogs and beef cattle. He was also devoutly involved in the Grace Hill Mennonite Church youth group throughout middle and high school. He graduated from Newton High School in 1983 and attended Kansas State University, graduating in 1988 with a bachelor’s in animal science (ag. business option). Lonnie started his career as an agronomy and location manager, and while he did enjoy the related experience, he eventually found his passion in grain marketing. To Lonnie, his family was his whole world. As Sandy and he started their family, he frequently moved to different roles to ensure the necessary essentials for their children. While this did require many moves, long hours, and job changes, he exemplified his wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field. He enjoyed Kansas State University football, spending time with his children and grandchildren (who affectionately referred to him as Papa), walking Bruiser, travelling, collecting toy tractors, and watching and analyzing grain markets.
He is survived by three sons and one daughter, Luke (Amy Carroll) Lindell, Isaiah (Kelsey) Harms, Sarah (Aron) Beatty, and Noah (Chris) Harms; seven grandchildren, Dylann Hayes, Kashton Lindell, Ben and Rachel “Liz” Harms, and Shiloh, Elijah, and Jonah Beatty; his mother, Virginia Harms; three sisters, Diane (Ron) Meyers, Lynette (John) Koetting, and Jennifer (John) Martinez; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife of 33 years, Sandy, he was preceded in death by his father, Clayton Harms; and sisters, Marlene Harms (in infancy) and Wendy Goerzen.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 17, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Grace Hill Mennonite Church in Whitewater, Kansas. Interment will follow at Grace Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 16, 2022, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home in Newton, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested to the Kansas State University Agricultural Department or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton, Ks.
A Celebration of Life will be held on August 6 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Cumberland Iowa Community Center.
