Paul Harms

Paul Harms, 62 of Parker, passed away on March 20, 2023. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, March 27, 2023 at St. Christina’s Catholic Church, Parker, with burial to follow at St. Christina’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 PM Sunday, March 26, at the church with a Wake Service and Rosary beginning at 6:00 PM. Arrangements provided by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home.

Paul Rudolph Harms was born on November 10, 1960 in Webster, SD to Lorane and Florence (Kaiser) Harms, the seventh of eight children. He graduated from Bristol High School in 1979 and attended Huron College, graduating in 1983 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. After school, Paul worked at the Litton Microwave Company.

On July 6, 1985 Paul was united in marriage to Karla Anderson at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Sioux Falls. To this union they had 2 children, Erin and Adam. They would go on many trips and to many sporting events. Paul was always proud of his children and grandchild, often introducing himself as "Erin's Dad," "Adam's Dad," or "Larraine's Grandpa."

Paul worked at the Parker Filter Plant and the Sioux Falls Parks Department before joining the staff of The Parker New Era newspaper, which would later join the folds of New Century Press, as The New Era. He was "Paul from the Parker Paper" for 27 years and from that came many friends and experiences. Paul always put his Catholic Faith first, but in his spare time Paul was an avid Kansas City Chiefs and Parker Pheasants fan. He was a staple at all the basketball and football games. Paul was instrumental in the starting of the Parker Youth Fishing Derby, and every fall he would sell tickets to the Cow Pie Lotto for the Parker Booster Club. Paul was a member of St. Christina Catholic Church, where he was very active and generous with his time, treasures, and talents to include serving as a CCD teacher for too many years to count. Prior to the responsibilities of parenthood, Paul was an active member of the South Dakota Jaycees, including membership in the Viborg and Parker chapters as well as the State President's club. Paul had an enormous collection of stories, which he was not afraid to share with anyone and everyone, even to the point of having a radio commercial spot for "The Frog Story."

Paul will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife Karla of Parker; children Erin (Thad) Tschetter of Brookings and Adam (Kara Anderson) of Renner; his granddaughter Larraine Tschetter; siblings Judy Anderson of Kimball, MN, Pat Walz of Aberdeen, Bill Harms of Bristol, Mike Harms of Bristol, and Jeff Harms of Aberdeen; mother-in-law Yvonne Anderson of Viborg; siblings-in-law Chuck (Angie) Anderson of Viborg, Julie Anderson of Viborg, and Kevin (Janis) Anderson of Sturgis; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Paul is preceded in death by his parents Lorane and Florence Harms; siblings Mary (Richard) Keats, Susan (Brent) Saylor; brothers-in-law Ellsworth Anderson, Bert Walz; sister-in-law Brenda Harms; and father-in-law L.E. Anderson.