Phyllis Ann Harms

Phyllis Ann Origer, daughter of Vernon Origer and Vera (Grems) Origer, was born on January 8, 1945, in Estherville, Iowa. She was baptized in Estherville and was confirmed at the Presbyterian Church in Estherville, Iowa.

Phyllis attended elementary school in Maple Hill, Iowa. She later went to Lincoln Central Schools in Gruver, Iowa where she graduated in 1962. After graduation she attended college at the State College of Iowa (now University of Northern Iowa) where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in teaching in Vocational Home Economics in 1966. In June of 1969, Phyllis welcomed her daughter, Gina; and in February of 1976, she welcomed her two sons, Daniel and Jon. In 1997, she graduated from Morningside College with a Master of Arts degree in Teaching with the emphasis in Guidance and Counseling.

From 1966 to 1969, Phyllis taught Vocational Home Economics in Denison, Iowa. Following the birth of her daughter, she became a homemaker and substituted in the Denison Community Schools from 1969 to 1983. She also began teaching at Denison Job Corps Center, first as a substitute in the Academics Program. In 1990, she developed the Alternative High School Program for Denison Community Schools and Denison Job Corps Center. Working with at-risk youth was her biggest love in teaching. The pride in watching students with little hope of graduation walk across the stage to receive their high school diploma was highly gratifying for her. Phyllis also taught several courses for Western Iowa Tech Community College, from 1988 to 2012, mostly in the field of psychology. Her favorite class to teach was Intro to Psychology although she enjoyed each of the classes (including Abnormal Psych and Developmental Psych) she taught. She felt her students taught her more about life than she taught them.

Over the course of her adult life, Phyllis was a member to many organizations such as the women’s circle at the Presbyterian Church in Denison, Retired School Personnel Association of Iowa, Iowa State Education Association, NEA (National Education Association), Denison Education Association, Federated Women’s Club (Friday Club), Book Club, Bridge clubs/groups, and Denison Community Chest. She also was in the Iowa Association for Alternative Education where she served as State President, State President – Elect, State Secretary, State Board of Directors, and At-Large State Representative. She also received many different honors like Teacher’s National Hall of Fame Finalist in 2004, author of the Iowa Governor’s Proclamation for Alternative Education Month in 2002, and author of the Checklist of Quality Indicators for alternative schools for the Iowa Department of Education. While at Denison Job Corps Center she received Community Supporter of the Year in 2000 and We’re Making a Difference Award in 1996 and 1998.

Phyllis was a person who enjoyed a variety of activities in her life. One of her early loves was sewing and she made many of her own clothes and her children’s clothes. She enjoyed reading and traveling. She traveled to Italy, Canada, Mexico, and almost all the U.S. states. Spring was her favorite season as she liked to plant and care for flowers and garden plants. Having learned to play bridge in college, she spent many hours in the bridge room at State College of Iowa (UNI). Since retiring, bridge occupied many hours for Phyllis, especially in the wintertime when there was less to do. Her current bridge group includes one marathon group in Denison.

Phyllis passed away on September 6, 2026, attaining the age of eighty-one years, seven months, and twenty-nine days. She was proceeded in death by her parents; brother, James Origer; and partner, Don Uker.

She is survived by her children, Gina (Dave) Landau of Tiffin, IA, Daniel (Kristen) Harms of Kansas City, MO, Jon (Kelly) Harms of Kansas City, MO; grandchildren, Mitchell Landau, Madelaine Frank, Grant Harms, Jared Harms, Bryce Harms, Alexander Harms, and Anne Harms; 3 great-grandchildren, Declan Oyarzun, Daisy Frank, and Jackson Frank; siblings, Dale (Diane) Origer of Kissimmee, FL, Vickie (Bill) Beck of Spirit Lake, IA, Gordon (Diane) Origer of Estherville, IA, Lance (Heidi) Origer of Estherville; sister-in-law, Karen Origer of New Port Richey, FL; many nieces, nephews, other family, and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on October 3rd at 10:30AM at the United Presbyterian Church in Denison, Iowa. A luncheon will be held following the service in the fellowship hall.