Phyllis Ann (Origer) Harms, daughter of Vernon Origer and Vera (Grems) Origer, was born on Jan. 8, 1945, in Estherville, Iowa
Phyllis passed away on Sept. 6, 2026, at the age of 81. She was preceded 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; three 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.
Education was very important in Phyllis’ life. She graduated from Lincoln Central High School, State College of Iowa (UNI) and received a Masters degree from Morningside College.
She taught Home Economics in Denison, then went on to teach at Job Corps Center and developed the Alternative High School Program for Denison Community school and Denison Job Corps. Phyllis also taught several courses at Western Iowa Tech Community College in the field of psychology. Working with at-risk youth was her biggest love in teaching. She felt her students taught her more about life than she taught them.
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.
