William Henry Harmsen

W.H. Harmsen, 63, mayor of Persia and cashier of the Home Savings Bank here died suddenly at his home Tuesday evening of a heart attack shortly after walking home. Mr. Harmsen was active in civic affairs and had served as mayor for several terms. In addition, he had been city clerk and served on the council. Survivors are: widow: Etta: one daughter, Mrs Lorene Beets, Falls Church, VA four grand children, Robert, Diane, Lance and Neal; two brothers, Herman and Fred, both of Persia. Two sisters, Mrs. Ella Clausen and Mrs Emma Dohrman preceded him in death.

    William Henry Harmsen was born on June 16, 1894 on a farm in Cass township, Harrison county where he lived with his parents until 1912 when they moved to the town of Persia. On March 8, 1916 he was married to Henrietta Heyde and to this union was born one daughter Lorene. The family lived on a farm near Persia for ten years, moving into town in 1926. 

   Funeral services at the Methodist Church in Persia on Friday where two former Methodist ministers will officiate. 

    Mr Harmsen was the senior steward in the local Masonic Lodge. The lodge will be in charge of the graveside ceremonies.

• Updated from Find A Grave Memorial via brother Fred Xavier Harmsen by SmartCopy: Jul 15 2015, 22:51:58 UTC