A Mass of Christian Burial for Harold “Harry” Origer was held on Monday, April 21, 2025 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Emmetsburg, Iowa. Interment was at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Mallard, Iowa.
Harold Eugene Origer, Jr. was born May 21, 1948 to Harold and Leona (Richter) Origer in West Bend, Iowa. He began his education at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School in West Bend and after his family moved to Mallard, Harry attended school there, graduating from Mallard High School.
Harry was united in marriage to Virginia Henely and they were blessed with five children.
Harry was employed at Vigortone Feed in Laurens and then he worked for the Secondary Roads Department for Palo Alto County. Harry dedicated 30 years to this position and only got the maintainer stuck once. His family made sure he went out in style - surprising him with a limo ride on his last day of work.
Harry’s greatest joy was his kids. He loved visiting with them, joking with them, and showing them how much he loved them. Harry cared very deeply for Virginia, and loved raising his beautiful family with her. Harry will be remembered by his family as a proud dad, caring husband, a man who loved music, laughter, and above all his family.
Harry was a friendly face behind the bar - always ready with a cold drink, a good story and warm smile. He looked forward to visiting and serving all of his faithful customers, who became like family to Harry.
Harry was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mallard until it’s closure. His faith was very important to him. He was a patient and caring man, putting others before himself. If there was a way that Harry could help you, he would be there.
When he was younger, Harry enjoyed fishing. Harry had a great sense of humor and will be remembered by his family and friends for being a “Jokester”. He enjoyed doing the crossword puzzle in the Fort Dodge Messenger, watching Gun Smoke, and having a Coors Lite close by.
Harry passed away Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at the Spencer Municipal Hospital at the age of 76. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Leona Origer and a brother, William “Bill” Origer. He was welcomed in Heaven by many family members who went before him.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia of Mallard, Iowa; his children, Tiffany (Cole) Schave of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Heather (Pat) Crotty of Havelock, Iowa, “Pickle” Cammie (Andy) Wiita of Mallard, Iowa, Kennedy (Sonia) Origer of Mallard, Iowa, and Sam (Greg) Larson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; thirteen grandchildren, Brayden, Erica, Jackson, Drew, Patience, Levi, Page, Eric, Preston, Caylee, Owen, Elliot and Charlie; sisters, Donna Plantz of Rolfe, Iowa, Jan (Bill) Bergstrom of Lawrence, Kansas, Gladys (Jim) Helinsky of Wyoming, Minnesota and Joy Marlow of Emmetsburg, Iowa; nieces and nephews; as well as many other relatives and friends.
