Obituary of Violet Berniece Harker

Violet Berniece Harker died a good death, slipping away peacefully on July 22, 2016, because some of her parts just wore out. On March 28, 2016 Berniece celebrated her 99th birthday with family and friends, enjoying lemonade and cupcakes at Atrium Village in Hills, and no one was placing bets against her making 100. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, July 27, at 11:00AM at Lakeview Cemetery in Spirit Lake Iowa. Berniece was born in Okoboji IA to Matilda (Tillie) and Charles (Carl) Carlson, along with a brother Richard, and sister Margaret (Donaldson). She attended the Arnolds Park school system. In 1933 she married Francis Garfield Harker, and together they had two daughters: Donna (Art Angell) and Judy (Gordon Johnson). They lived in many Iowa communities while Garfield was employed with the State of Iowa's Fish Hatcheries, Department of Natural Resources and with Mutual of Omaha. These communities include Okoboji, Estherville, Maquoketa, Emmetsburg, Waukon, Osage, Spirit Lake, and for the last 20 years, Iowa City. Berniece was the epitome of grace and character, had two green thumbs, was a great cook, was always there for others, and knew exactly what to say and how to behave. She is now reviewing proper etiquette and reconnecting with those who have gone before her, and given she was 99, this includes most of her family and friends. Left with wonderful memories are her daughter, Donna Angell of Iowa City, granddaughters Terri Larson (Steve) of Iowa City, Diana Johnson (Mike Horgan) of Ontario NY, and Cheryl Vandewalle (Rick) of Cincinnati OH. Great grandchildren include: Megan Thompson of Lima NY, Peter Larson (Alexa) of Augusta GA, Marcus Larson of Ankeny IA, Andrea Miller (Nate) of Oxford, IA, Rebecca Vandewalle of San Francisco CA, and Christian Vandewalle of Kokomo IN. Great great grandchildren include: Alexandra Horgan of Ontario NY and Gunnar Larson of Augusta GA. We've had her for the last 99 years, so can't complain, but moving forward will simply not be the same.