Fredrick Keith Harms

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. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website at http://www.stevensonandsons.com.