GREENE — Louis Orville Harken, 91, of Greene, a lifelong farmer and U.S. Army veteran remembered for his strength, independence, humor and deep devotion to family, died Saturday, July 11, 2026, at AMS Memorial in Greene.
Harken was born Sept. 22, 1934, to Obbo and Susanna Freeseman Harken. He attended country schools before briefly attending high school.
According to his obituary, Harken served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958 during the Korean War era, spending approximately 18½ months stationed in Korea.
After completing his military service, he returned home to the life that would define much of his adulthood — farming.
Harken married Hermine Bloem on March 30, 1963, and the couple built a life together centered on family, agriculture and hard work. They raised two children, Kevin and Cyndy, and were married for 63 years.
Farming was far more than an occupation for Harken.
According to his obituary, he spent his life working the land, milking cows and raising livestock. Even after retirement, he continued helping with fieldwork whenever he could.
Away from the farm, Harken enjoyed building birdhouses and bird feeders and took particular pleasure in watching and feeding birds around his home. He was known to whistle back at birds and enjoyed the ongoing challenge of trying to keep squirrels out of his feeders.
He also had a lifelong interest in automobiles and was always interested in his next vehicle, discussing cars and comparing gas mileage with family and friends.
His obituary also recalls his habit of putting reflective stickers on many of his belongings and his enjoyment of watching old Westerns.
Family members remembered Harken as fiercely independent and determined. He was known for his physical strength and enjoyed friendly arm-wrestling matches, while his sense of humor and appreciation for a good joke helped create lasting memories with those around him.
Above all, Harken treasured his family and took great pride in watching younger generations grow.
He is survived by his wife, Hermine Harken; son Kevin Harken and his wife, Shanelle; daughter Cyndy Christensen and her longtime partner, Rodney Fleshner; grandchildren Lee Christensen, Robyn Steffen, Heather Schmidt, Shane Harken and Cody Harken; eight great-grandchildren; his sister, Alice Heise; extended family members; nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Ruth Schoneman and Annetta Arjes.
A public visitation was held from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Woodley Funeral Home, 519 N. First Street in Greene.
A memorial service was held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2026, at Woodley Funeral Home in Greene.
A graveside service followed at noon Friday at Lynwood Cemetery near Clarksville.
Woodley Funeral Home and Crematory in Greene is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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