Ernest Steven Harms

Ernest Steven Harms, 66, of Hampton, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, at the Rehabilitation Center of Hampton. A funeral service to honor the life of our beloved Ernest Steven Harms will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Sietsema-Atkinson Funeral Home in Hampton. Visitation will take place one hour before the service. Family and friends are invited to attend and pay their respects.

Steve was born on February 28, 1960, in Marshalltown to Ernest and Evelyn (Claassen) Harms. He grew up in Coulter and worked a variety of jobs. Steve graduated from Cal High School in 1978 and went on to proudly serve in the United States Army until 1985.

Steve found great joy in the things he loved most. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Cubs, and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Beyond sports, Steve treasured time spent with loved ones camping and also had a fondness for watching the Star Trek movies. Some of his happiest moments were the simplest ones. Playing cards at the Senior Center and going out for breakfast at Seven Stars with the guys. Many may know Steve from managing Kum & Go North for ten years, serving on the Hampton City Council, or from driving the public transit bus of Hampton.

On May 20, 1987, Steve was united in marriage to Teresa Ann Kruse. From there, the two of them went on to enjoy their life with their blended family in Hampton.

Steve is survived by his wife of almost 39 years, Teresa of Hampton, six children: Shayne (Chris) Maiers of St. Ansgar, John (KJ) Kruse of Meyer, Nate (Amanda) Kruse of Mitchell, Arturo (Deborah) Rodriguez of Evansdale, Amanda (Rogie Grover) Kruse of Newton, and Candi Lemarr of Minnesota. Four siblings: Shellie (Curtis) Freie of Sheffield, Sandy (Jim) Callahan of Rockwell, Suzy (Dennis) Knipfel of Hampton, and Stacey (Lyle) Jensen of Ames. Steve is also survived by twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, an infant granddaughter, brother, brother-in-law, and three sisters-in-law.

Steve served his country with pride and lived his life with strength and integrity. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.