Lillian Harms
Lillian June Harms, 98, of Madrid, Neb., passed away on May 21, 2023, at the Imperial Manor.
Lillian was born to Florene and Henry Kornelsen near Henderson, Neb., on December 16, 1924. In 1930 the family moved to the Holdrege Ranch near Madrid. She attended Madrid Public School through The 10th year and finished at Grant High School in Grant, Neb. Lillian started school when she was just four years old and graduated from high school at sixteen years of age.
She taught one year of country school and then attended Tabor College. On September 2, 1943, she married Leland Harms. She always felt that she and Lee were meant to be married. During the war, they moved to Kalamazoo, Mich., where she worked as a nurse’s aide at Kalamazoo State Hospital. They moved back to Nebraska, where their three children were born; Cheryl, Myron, and Kevin.
Lillian and Lee first farmed near Grainton, Neb., and, in 1967, moved back to the family farm near Madrid. For a woman who didn’t particularly like to cook, she spent many hours cooking for those working on their farms and for family and friends who came to visit.
In the 60s, the family spent the winters in Reedley, Calif., so their daughter could attend Immanuel Academy. Lillian worked for a time at Kings View Hospital. Both Lee and Lillian had a heart for those experiencing mental health problems. The couple retired to Ogallala, Neb. in 1983. Lee passed away in 1990.
Lill loved to travel (she had wanted to be a world traveler), and the family took many trips together. She and Lee traveled to many states, and Lillian traveled to the Holy Land and Jordan.
Lill has always been a student and loved studying the Bible. She committed many Scripture verses to memory. She read voraciously, a love that she passed on to her children. After Lee passed away, she taught an adult literacy class. She also loved playing table games, especially Quiddler. Throughout her later years, Lillian must have played it 10,000 times with her family and as recently as four days before her death. Her favorite Bible verses were: Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” And Romans 8:1, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leland, her great-granddaughter Kate, her parents H.A. and Florene Kornelsen, and siblings Hulda Fannon and Ken Kornessen.
She is survived by her children, Cheryl (George) Heming of Colorado Springs, Colo., Myron (Candi) Harms of Kalispell, Mont., and Kevin (Linda) Harms of Madrid, and her brother Dean (Barbara) Kornelsen, Denver, Colo. Surviving grandchildren are Trista (Marcus) Costantino, Jed Heming, Brian (Devin) Harms, Tiffany Ward, Caleb (Joni) Harms and Jacob (Emily) Harms and seven great-grandchildren. Also, a host of relatives and friends who cared for her.
Lillian’s earnest desire and prayer is that each of her family be counted and named in God’s Book of Life, praising Him and glorifying Him for His great Salvation. (I Cor 9:15)
Lillian will be remembered for her faith in Jesus, and how she lived her many years with grace, dignity, and gratefulness.
A memorial has been established in Lillian’s memory for later designation. Condolences can be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com.
Funeral services will be held Friday, May 26, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the New Life Fellowship Church in Grant, with Pastor John Goodell officiating. A private family committal will be held at the Madrid Cemetery prior to service time.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.