Wendell Jaye Harms

Wendell Jaye Harms, 70, of Ankeny, beloved husband, stepfather, brother, friend, colleague, mentor, and advocate, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2021, after a 10-month battle with glioblastoma.

Wendell was born November 23, 1950, in Buffalo Center, IA, to Fred and Lena (Jurgens) Harms. After graduating from Buffalo Center High School, he graduated from Drake University, followed by law school at the University of Iowa in 1976.

He spent the next four years in Topeka, KS, working for Legal Aid. He then moved to Virginia, where he served as a civilian legal assistant for the US Army. Upon moving back to Des Moines in 1984, he began practicing law with Frank Smith, a high school classmate. He then became a sole practitioner. In 2004, he joined the Iowa Attorney Disciplinary Board, where he worked until retirement.

He met his wife, Lois, at Central Presbyterian Church, where he sang tenor in the Chancel Choir and she was the Associate Organist. It was a marriage made in heaven, which he would describe as the event that changed his life from gray to technicolor. Lois’ children would describe him as “the best thing that ever happened to our family.” His love of singing would also lead him to many years of participating in the Drake University Community Chorus, including a trip to Carnegie Hall. He loved listening to classical music, and he and Lois enjoyed going to the opera, the symphony, and as many concerts and plays as possible.

Wendell’s faith was very important to him. He joined Central Presbyterian Church in 1984 and served in many capacities – teacher, mentor, choir member, and Clerk of Session. He also served many years on the board of Calvin Community.

Wendell had a deep love for the law, and his sense of fairness and equality earned him the respect and admiration of his clients, colleagues, adversaries, and friends. He had wit, a sense of humor, and a knack for storytelling that stayed with him until the end and delighted all who knew him.

Wendell had a lifelong passion for learning about other people and cultures which led him and Lois to travel extensively. They enjoyed many trips to Europe and also visited Russia, China, Dubai, India, and Korea, among other destinations.

Wendell’s final act of concern for others was to donate his body to Des Moines University in the hope that research might someday shed more light on brain cancers.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Lois, stepson Chris Kopacek of Austin, TX, stepdaughter Kimberly Kopacek Peute of Tucson, AZ, sister Audrey (Russell) Sonnenberg of Forest City, IA, brother Forrest (Mary) Harms of Plymouth, MN, nephews Randy (Lisa) Harms, Allen (Jyl) Harms and son Zachary (Kady) Harms, all of Minneapolis, MN, niece Lynn (Roger) Pajunen and their sons Lt. Cody Pajunen USCG, and Cole Pajunen, all of Florida.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Central Presbyterian Church, Calvin Community, Friends of Drake Arts, or On With Life.