Fredrick Keith Harms was born April 5, 1965 in Malta, MT, to Walter and Josie. Fred died on April 27, 2021 in Forsyth, MT. Fred began school at Malta Public Schools and graduated from Welcome Memorial High in Garden City, MN in 1984. Fred participated in football, wrestling, and track in school. Fred was a Golden Glove Boxer. In 1985, Fred joined the Army and then transferred to the National Guard to finish his enlistment. Fred crossed trained with Special Forces while stationed at Ft Harrison, in Helena, MT. Fred honorably served the military until 1989. Fred always told Karen (Johannesen) that they were never going to get married. He finally woke up and decided to make Karen permanent by proposing in his beat up old pickup while on the way to the dentist. They were married in June of 1991. Fred and Karen were blessed with three children.
Fred was an avid outdoors man, enjoying kayaking, fishing and hunting. Fred was always on the lookout for a unique mount. For multiple years, Fred went elk hunting and would come back with stories of the experience; his ‘cot was forever bucking him off’. In 2016, Fred caught a walleye that was of a size that he ‘had to have taxidermied’. He was so proud of that fish. Fred loved taking kids fishing, especially his own. Fred had watched every episode that NatGeo had produced and was a devoted Cops enthusiast. Every Western and John Wayne movie was watched in the Harms household, with Rio Bravo for the 1000th time.
Fred was a lover of all things animal. His knowledge surpassed most college textbooks and ‘professionals’. Fred loved horses and dogs. He always said a man only ever had one good horse and one good dog; Fred was the exception, having several of each, with Dusty and Whiskey leading the list. Fred was a cowboy through and through with stories, experiences, and demeanor. Fred loved the ranching lifestyle but not so much farming. He worked for numerous ranches across Montana.
Fred had a love of kids. He enjoyed teaching them new skills and instilling a strong work ethic. This was accomplished through 4-H, FFA, and coaching AAU Wrestling. Fred was the horse superintendent for 4-H/FFA for a number of years and taught kids the love of horses and training.
Fred was known for his love of horses, his vat of useless knowledge, and his dancing skills. Fred loved to dance at any occasion, especially with his sisters Janni or Twilla or good friend Yvonne. Fred had a great sense of humor and was always up for a good time or adventure. His ‘take me as I am or kiss my ass’ attitude was known far and wide. He always wore his big dopey hat and big glasses and was proud of them both.
Fred was survived by his wife, Karen, sons Levi (Cassie) Harms and Logan (Amelia) Harms and daughter Mariah Harms and grandson Alex. Sisters Twilla Johannesen and Janni (John) Wiese and brothers Walter (Brigitte) Harms, Willie (Kay) Harms, and Ray (Ann) Harms. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and all who knew him.
Fred was preceded in death by his father, Walter Harms, parents Bill and Josie Shaw, parents in-law Iver and Mavis Johannesen, brother-in-law Paul Johannesen, sister-in-law Ann Lucas, nephew Justin Lucas, and grandnephew Kameron Martin.
Fred’s memorial service will be Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home, Forsyth, MT.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 AM
Saturday May 15, 2021
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 AM
Saturday May 15, 2021
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Jennifer Ferguson Johnson says
I’m so sorry for your loss, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Diana Robinette says
Sending you my prayers Karen and to your family, if you need anything please let me know.
Mel Dreidlein says
I’m so sorry! Thinking of you and the kids! Love you guys! Call if you need anything at all.
Lin Caballero says
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤love you , thinking of you.
Lin Caballero
Cheryl Morrison says
Harms Family, you have our deepest sympathies. Fred was a true gentleman & cowman, thoughts & prayers.
Sheila & Monty Haselhuhn says
So sorry to hear this. We are sending condolences to all of you.
Crista Caballero Henry says
I will never forget us riding my homemade bike with a banana seat down that hill holding ice cream cones or the time we got caught smoking cigars behind the old transfer center when we were kids. You were always a favorite of mine and that never changed. Until we meet again Fritza fratza frederick! ❤️❤️❤️
Kathy Bybee says
I hope you are at peace…love ya Freddie
Larry Keltner says
I wish you the Joy of your memories of Fred. He worked at my Grandad’s and was a quick, wirey fella that usually had a smile poking through his moustache out from under a well worn hat. I enjoyed hearing stories of the other outfits he’d worked. Farewell, Fred.
LK
Jake willson says
So sorry to hear the loss of Fred- what a hand he was. I will cherish the memories of when he was at the porcupine while we were growing up.
Rick and Calene Smith says
Fred was always easy to work with no matter what the situation..and usually pretty entertaining! He sure loved his family and was rightfully proud of them! He will be missed..
Hugs to all of you
Miekel Melton says
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lonnie Vaughan says
My deepest sympathy to the family
Melissa Franklin says
Karen and kids, you have my deepest sympathies. Fred was a true cowboy, thoughts & prayers. If you need anything please call.
Matilda Hofer says
Karen hugs and prayers I’m so sorry may Jesus put his hands around you and your family love Ed and Matilda Hofer Loring montana
Tara Gallagher says
I was so saddened to hear about Fred’s passing. He was an amazing man. To this day everytime I see asparagus I think of him. Thoughts and prayers from my family to yours.
Ginger Cutt says
All my love and prayers to you Karen and your family.
Julia Ferguson says
Karen and family my deepest sympathies and prayers to your family So difficult your loss .
Brad, Tracy, Amber, and Steven Gabel says
Fred – You and your family were a big part of our lives in Forsyth with football, wrestling, school, and more. We do miss you all and I am stunned to see you have passed. Now…ride cowboy ride. Don’t go to slow, you have a long way to go! Ride cowboy ride.
Chelsey, Creighton and Hattie Teeters says
Karen, Levi, Logan and Mariah:
I am so sorry for your loss. Fred was such a character and could make anyone laugh. Treasure the moments and hold them close. Prayers are with you all.
Jan and Kim says
Our sincere sympathy is with your family.
May God keep your family in the palm of his hand.
Michael Fred & Nancy Ereaux says
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with your entire family.
Brenda potts says
Karen and family prayers are with you during this difficult time and always
Blessings
Brenda Potts
Stephanie Eller says
I will never forget the first time I met Fred. I had gone home with you for the weekend, from college, and you told Fred to be nice and knock and wake me up to get breakfast so we could go work cows. Instead he jumped on the bed and yelled, “Wakey, wakey, wakey!” Scared me half to death. Fred always cracked me up afterwards. Karen, my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Carol Plympton says
Our hearts and prayers go out to you in this difficult time. Sincerely with our sympathy, Rocky and Carol
Peggy and Earl says
Karen and family,
Earl joins me in sending heartfelt condolences to you in Fred’s passing. Our warmest thoughts and sincere prayers are with you in your sorrow. May they bring comfort and strength to you now, and in the days ahead.
Raelynn Robinson says
So sorry for your loss. Sending condolences and prayers to Fred’s family.
Arn and Connie Huseby says
Sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved Fred. Our prayers and tears are with his family.
We remember Fred from the Castle Mtn days and on the feedlot along the Yellowstone.
Connie Brown says
Karen, Levi, Logan and Mariah:
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time! Hold tight to the memories of the good times. Whenever I see asparagus I think of Fred, of days gone but not forgotten. May God grant you the peace that only he can give!
Lin Cory Koerper says
May Our Lord Jesus Christ hold all of you in His arms and may His Peace give you strength now and at all times.
Lynn Tompkins says
I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed visiting with Fred when he came into the N.A.P.A. And his help at the fair. Always a smile. My prayers go out to you and the kids.
Bonita Millerbernd says
Jim And Bonnie Millerbernd send our deepest sympathy!Rider in the sky❤️🙏
Ron Dye says
Karen – family and friends. I may have been in Forsyth for on 10 years, but in those years I met some of the most memorable people in my life. Fred was among them, and one of a kind (to put that mildly). Why a “cowboy” befriends a long haired “city boy” will always be one question only he will answer. Yes I will get him to answer that when I see him again. This news of him no longer with us is heart breaking to me. My heart is with you all. Fred thank you for being you, and the memories I have.
Jerome says
He was a good friend to me and my family and will be always remembered for being Fred!
Sharon Borla says
Karen and family, I am so sorry for your loss. While I did not know him well, I got a good feel for Fred’s sense of humor when you were buying your home. I always admired his dedication and long hours spent working with the local kids and their horses during the fair. He will not be forgotten. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
marcus belgarde says
sorry for you loss he was a great man.
Duke and Cindy Tucker says
We send our deepest sympathy to Fred’s family. Although Duke and I only met him at 2 brandings, we found him to be a great person with lots of stories and smiles. He was a true cowboy and a joy to be around.
You all are in our prayers.
Arvin says
My sincere condolences to family and friends. I remember Fred asking me once, “Are you as drunk as you think I am?”
marcus belgarde says
sorry for your loss Karen and the rest of the harms family.