Mr. Harkness was my World History teacher at Wilson Junior High School in the early 1960's. I have fond memories of his class. He made world history interesting and fun. I'm forever grateful. God bless his soul and give comfort to those of you were blessed to have him in your life.

Anita Reif Heaverlo
June 24, 2021

My deepest condolences to you Steve and your family. Your Dad was one of the nicest guys I knew. He was the perfect example of what a Christian Father should be. I will never forget that smile and kind words he always had whenever I would see him. May you find comfort in knowing he is at peace and now at home with Jesus. God Bless, Deb Valenta

Deb Valenta
June 25, 2021

My heart is heavy this morning at the news of the passing of an amazing man who, even to this day, impacts my life. As a former, teacher, coach, and colleague, I have only the most wonderful memories of Mr. Harkness. As a youngster at Wilson I considered him a father figure who inspired me to believe and strive to improve. I want to thank his entire family for sharing his love to all who were blessed to know Mr. Harkness. His beautiful legacy will continue through those he touched. God bless you coach—I love you!

Tim Fowler
June 25, 2021

I am very sad to learn of the passing of Mr. Harkness. He was a fine man and the perfect example of someone who devoted his life to serving his fellow man. He was my teacher at Taft from 1972-75, and was also an assistant 7th grade flag football coach. I was the worst player on the team, but he never failed to greet me with enthusiasm and always made me feel like a part of the team. In the class room, he was always fun and interesting, and he taught an elective course on Iowa history, which sparked an interest I still have to this day. God bless you, Mr. Harkness, and thank you for everything.

Mo Sheronick
June 25, 2021

Mr. Harkness was a great teacher and a kind man. Rest in peace.

Joel Duffy
June 25, 2021

So sad to learn of Mr. Harkness passing. He was the BEST coach and teacher I ever had!! He made sports and learning FUN and interesting. His emphasis on always keeping up with current events I have followed my whole life. My condolences to his immediate and extended family.

Kevin Urban
June 25, 2021

Sorry for your loss and prayers to family I had Mr Harkness as a teacher and coach. He always was there to listen and was a very caring person.

Rick Mease
June 25, 2021

Very Sorry to hear about this. Mr Harkness was always a First Class Man. I remember first time seeing him when Wilson wrestled Taft. He had "that look of honor and care". I remember seeing Larry's Parents at Jefferson as I was on the J Hawk wrestling team with his son Larry. Always there to cheer on Larry and us all with kind words talking to the wrestlers. I can remember his voice and motivation for the next match. Later at Coe, Larry and I were on the Kohawk wrestling team and his parents were always there and nicest of people. Loving, Caring and First Class Families! Reading his life's obituary explains all that he did for others, being prepared and "one of the "Good Guys". Prayers for the Harkness Families on this saddest of times in life.

Kevin & Renee Kubik
June 26, 2021

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Harkness family and very sorry for your loss. I had Mr. Harkness as a teacher at Taft it was always fun to hear his stories about scuba diving and he would always take time to listen to you when you had a problem.

Mark Wooff
June 26, 2021

Harkness family, please accept my deepest sympathy on Gene's passing. Please find comfort in knowing that others care and that he will be with you in spirit forever. Hold his memories close. You all were, always, much more than policyholders; you were like an extended family. God bless.

Terry L Ebaugh
June 26, 2021

I was lucky enough to have Mr. Harkness as a teacher at Taft back in the early 80s. Great guy and a great teacher. He was able to get me interested in school which was not a easy task sometimes. I remember him bringing in his scuba gear and I believe he taught a chess class? My condolences to his family.

Bob Irwin
June 26, 2021

Joann, Larry, Cheryl n Steve. My thoughts n prayers of comfort are with you all. I have so many sweet memories of our family times together. You were such a sweet, humorous man. I will see you again in Heaven...

Gail Horsky Fuqua
June 26, 2021

My heart goes out to the Harkness family and friends. Me Harkness will always be Coach Harkness to me. He was a role model that I try to follow to this day. I will always remember Coach by his encouragement on the wrestling mat and his inspirational talks that ended with that signature smile. Talks that didn’t just relate to sports but to life. He will truly be missed but live in the hearts of all.

Jim Eppel
June 26, 2021

Cheryl and family-So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.He was a great teacher,coach and person. To Cheryl-been a long time. Heard you were back in C.R. Been wanting to get in touch with you.So many great memories.

Sandy Kimball Jones
June 27, 2021

As a team member, of Wilson Jr. High wrestling team,withTim Fowler,I share the same sentiments. He was a great coach and a good man.My condolences to his Family. Rest in peace Coach.

Al Norden
June 27, 2021

Mr Harkness was my 9th Grade History Teacher 1975, an excellent teacher. My sympathies to his family.

Cathy Boland Polito
June 27, 2021

My condolences to the Harkness family during this time of loss. My association with Gene took place over the years during the wrestling season when our teams competed against each other. I was always impressed by the character and sportsmanship that his teams exhibited, which undoubtedly reflected who Gene was as a person. Take comfort in knowing Gene’s legacy lives on in all the students who were fortunate enough to cross his path.

Ken Jans
June 28, 2021

It was my privilege to know and appreciate the work of Gene as a teacher and coach. I join in celebrating his life as he was an effective educator. He was good for those who associated with him. He had a big impact on Jefferson when I was there as principal. William C. Jacobson

william Jacobson
June 28, 2021

Mr.Harkness was my favorite Jr high teacher at Taft in early 80's.I enjoyed his "Iowa Inside Out" mini course. I was going thru bad situations at home ,in life ,& his smile & warmth helped so much.What a special person!My prayers for his family and friends ??

DJ Wilson
June 28, 2021

Please accept my warmest condolences, I’m sending thoughts of peace and courage your way

Ray Parks
June 29, 2021

Dear cousin Joan and Larry, Steve, Cheryl, spouses and grandkids, SO many, MANY great memories of Gene and the family gatherings with my Taylor cousins over the decades. I smile to think of those five brother-in-laws all together now playing those silly pranks on each other again. Lots and lots of love to you all.

Gretchen & Mike Sullivan
June 29, 2021

Gene was an inspirational friend to me. We grew up in the same neighborhood, went to the same high school and college. He was inspirational to me as he always seemed to be an achiever. He was an outstanding high school athlete. He demonstrated loyalty and commitment to his high school sweetheart, which I did likewise to our marriage of 64 years. At Coe College he introduced me to the game of handball which I played for 40 years. We were baseball fans and he took me and a friend to see the Chicago Cubs which was my first Major League game and afterwards we had pizza in Chicago which was my introduction to pizza. We moved from Cedar Rapids in 1965 but prior to that I was blessed with the special friendship I had with Gene. My deepest sympathy for your loss.

Hal Broxey
June 29, 2021