DeEtt Jean Harless
April 24, 1934 – February 18, 2023
DeEtt Jean was born in Stromsburg, NE, to Leonard and Carmelita (Johnson) Mentink. She came to faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized in Stromsburg Baptist Church. On February 24, 1952, DeEtt married Stanley (Jim) Harless, and they farmed west of Stromsburg. Their first child, Glenn, was born in December that same year, after which Jim had to report to the Army. While home on leave, and just before shipping out for Korea, Jim contracted polio. He spent the next two years recovering in Army and VA hospitals, during which he also contracted tuberculosis. DeEtt and Glenn lived with her parents and Jim’s parents during this time. After Jim was discharged from the hospital in March 1955, the family moved to Ames, Iowa where Jim enrolled at Iowa State University. There they were blessed with two more children; Mark was born in 1956 and Londa was born in 1960. For six years DeEtt made a home for Jim and her kids in military surplus barracks used for married student housing. After Jim graduated in 1960 with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine the family spent a year in Boston, followed by a year in Denver, and then moved to Omaha. DeEtt and Jim lived in the Rockbrook neighborhood in Omaha for many years where they raised their children. In 2004 they moved to Lakewood Villages in Papillion, and in 2022 moved to Richmont Terrace in Bellevue.
DeEtt was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother, who made a loving and welcoming home for her family and friends. Her faith sustained her broken heart when Londa passed away in 2013. DeEtt was a life-long follower of Christ, who was blessed by her pastors and friends at both Lutheran Church of the Master, and later at Thanksgiving Church in Bellevue. Over the years she was active in women’s ministries, small group bible studies, life groups, prayer ministry, and was a volunteer with Release Ministries at the Douglas County Youth Center. She was at peace as she neared the end of her life, and she was looking forward to being welcomed home by Jesus, and to the great reunion waiting for her with Londa, family and friends who have gone before her in Christ.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Londa Sanburg; her parents, Leonard and Carmelita Mentink; her brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Doris Mentink; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Stanley and Margaret Harless; and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Laird and Delores Hengelfelt.
DeEtt is survived by her husband, Dr. Stanley (Jim) Harless; son and daughter-in-law, Rev. Glenn and Suzanne Harless of Bellevue; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Lenae Harless, Borup, MN; son-in-law, Sean Sanburg of Lincoln; grandchildren: Marisa (John) Houghland; Siri (Trevor) Peterson; Jon (Courtney) Harless; Paul (Danielle) Harless; Annika (Cole) Perkins; Paige (Rian) Suiter; Blair (Nate) Hume; Laine (Chris) Skeen; great-grandchildren: Jacob, Noah, Hannah, Maria, Levi, Ayla, Liam, James, Henrik, Soren, Signe, Harold, Crew, Nora, Harlow, Tenley, Lucas; nephews, nieces, and cousins.
VISITATION: Friday, March 3rd, from 5pm-7pm at the West Center Chapel. MEMORIAL SERVICE: Saturday, March 4th, 11:00 am at Thanksgiving Church in Bellevue, NE. Family Graveside Service at Stromsburg Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Release Ministries, Gideons International, or Thanksgiving Church.
10 Comments
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.Dr Harless was our vet for our Hunting Dogs when we lived in Prairie Lane.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mark and Lenae, Paul, Annika and all your family.
She leaves a legacy of love and faith! And now, she has received that amazing grace and gift of eternal life!
We send our love, Barb and Tom
What a beautiful tribute to your precious Mom and Grandma! She leaves a beautiful legacy for all of you! Sending hugs and love to you-Mark, Lenae, Paul , Annika and families. Praying for peace and comfort in the days ahead. We wish we could be there but we will be watching. ❤️. Love you all❤️. Sharon and Dave Tranby
We lived on the same street as the Harless family when I was growing up including when the tornado took the roof off of their house, Condolences to Dr. Harless and family at this difficult time and thank you Dr. Harless for your kindness to the animals you cared for including ours..
Wishing God’s peace to a lovely family. Mrs. Harless with her sweet demeanor. Dr. Harless for your kind and tender care for our dog. Glen and Mark for your fun loving ways. May your memories sustain you.
Fondly, Mary Lee Beachler and Connie Witte
My heartfelt sympathies to all of DeEtt’s family and friends. She was, indeed. A great lady and a wonderful friend.
Mark, Lenae and family, We are so sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with your all your families as you grieve your loss and celebrate her life! She was a beautiful lady and raised amazing children! We know that her light will continue to shine in the world through all of you! God Bless her memory! Much love, Vicki and Paul
Dr. Harless,
I am so sorry to just now learn of your wife’s passing. I still remember meeting her at your retirement reception. Mrs. Harless was so warm and gracious as she visited with your friends and admiring clients. I extend my most sincere condolences to you and your family. May the peace and comfort you provided to so many be returned to you and all who loved Mrs. Harless.
Dear Harless family, I’m so sorry to see the passing of your mom. She was a great lady and was loved very much.
DeEtt was like our second mom. An amazing and grace-filled woman of faith. I know She, Joni, Myrna and Ruth are giggling together in heaven! Your family is in my prayers.
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