Steve Harmsen

Steve Harmsen, 65, of King George, Virginia, passed away on June 24, 2025.

Born on April 8, 1960, in Waupun, Wisconsin, Steve was the son of Edwin and Elaine Harmsen. He was baptized and confirmed at Pella Lutheran Church. He played little league baseball and developed a lifelong love of learning and teamwork.

At Waupun High School, Steve was known for his leadership and wide range of interests. He served as class president and was active on the tennis team, math team, bowling team, and yearbook staff. He also worked for a time as a fryer at A&W. Steve graduated as a junior in the Class of 1977. He went on to earn his degree from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh in 1982.

On September 18, 1982, he married Diane Rahn. Together they built a devoted partnership that lasted more than four decades.

Steve worked as a computer scientist at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren, Virginia, from May 1983 until his retirement in January 2019. He brought his dedication, problem-solving skills, and quiet steadiness to everything he did.

Steve was a longtime member of Peace Lutheran Church in King George. He was the general supplies purchasing agent, served on the Board of Finance & Administration, organized backpack projects, coordinated fundraisers for new tables and chairs, and provided the Easter sunrise breakfast at the wayside.

He also maintained strong ties to his Wisconsin roots, serving for several years on the Waupun High School Class of 1978 reunion committee.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Elaine Harmsen; his in-laws, LeRoy and Hazel Rahn; and his brother-in-law, Donald Raether.

He is survived by his wife, Diane; sisters Linda & Don Zastrow, Barbara Raether, Marie Rahn, Nancy & Marty VanderVelde, Jean Kok, and Lila & John Buytendorp. He was a proud uncle to many nieces and nephews: Jennifer & Mark Franz, Michael & Bonnie Zastrow, Heather & DJ Wright, Ryan Raether, Rebecca & Andrew Belt, Ashley & Brandon Balistreri, Stuart & Megan VanderVelde, Mike & Shannon Kok, Sydney VanderVelde, Jack Buytendorp, Katelin Buytendorp, and Ben Buytendorp. He is also remembered fondly by numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Steve cherished his “daycare family,” who held a special place in his heart: Suzanne (Dove) & Jeremy Ortega, Katelyn (Mason) & Joey Reilly, Jessica Mason, Danielle Gibson, John Morrissett, David & Kelly Morrissett, Bryan & Kristen Gibson, Joel & Chloe Morrissett, and their families.

A memorial service to celebrate Steve’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Peace Lutheran Church in King George.

A memorial service will also take place on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun. Visitation will be held on Saturday at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at Forest Mound Cemetery in Waupun.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Peace Lutheran Church’s Major Building Repair Fund, 5590 Kings Highway, King George, VA 22485.