Walter James Harnden

Walter James Harnden, age 75, of Albia, IA, passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Oakwood Specialty Care in Albia, surrounded by his loved ones, under the care of Care Initiatives Hospice. Walter was born on October 7, 1948, in Albia, IA, to Thomas “Ted” Z. and Alice Louise (Parker) Harnden. He grew up attending school in Albia before moving to Middletown, IA, where he worked on the assembly line at the ammunition plant for 10 years. On December 1, 1968, he was united in marriage to Linda Mondorf at the First Christian Church in Albia. To this union, 4 children, Tammy, Christine, Michelle, and Wayne, were born. Walter and Linda were blessed with nearly 55 years of marriage prior to his passing. Walter and Linda moved to Danville, IA, where they lived for 15 years before moving back to Albia in 1989. Walter went to work at Mick Furniture for many years where he helped with furniture deliveries and other tasks. Walter enjoyed being outdoors, especially fishing and camping. He was a great bowler. He volunteered his time putting up the flags around the town square for Memorial Day. He enjoyed visiting with others and never knew a stranger. Above all else, Walter loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Walter is survived by his wife, Linda; 3 children, Tammy Harnden, Michelle (Robert) Parks, and Wayne (Robbie) Harnden; 4 grandchildren, Rebecca (Austin Godwin), Nathan (Mariah Smith), and Colton Parks and Avery Harnden; and 2 brothers, Dean (Dixie) Harnden; and Roy Harnden. Walter is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends. Walter is preceded in death by a daughter, Christine Harnden; his parents, Ted and Alice Harnden; 4 sisters, Erma Allison, Mary Parcel, Lucille Sleeth, and Ruth Courtney; 3 brothers, Elmer, Thomas “Tommy”, and Chester Harnden; 3 half-brothers, Clifford, Melvin, and Carl; and a half-sister, Inez. Walter is also preceded in death by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 4, 2023, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Walter’s family present from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. to greet family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor Brad Gray officiating. A private family burial will be held at Oak View Cemetery in Albia at a later date. An open memorial has been established to the family.

Walter James Harnden

October 7, 1948 - November 25, 2023