Harry Hart

Harry Hart, 89, passed away on February 25, 2026, in Knoxville, Iowa, surrounded by
his loving family. A funeral service will be held Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at
Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Knoxville, with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. prior to
the service. Harry and Elaine will be buried together at Gullion Cemetery.
Memorials in Harry’s name may be directed to the Marion County Humane Society, Job
Point (400 Wilkes Blvd., Columbia, MO 65201) to provide Highway Maintenance and
Repair Scholarships to at-risk youth and adults, or to the Attica United Methodist
Church.
Harry was born at home in the old coal mining town of Everist, Iowa, where he lived his
entire life. He was the youngest of two children born to Ralph and Lucy (Stokes) Hart.
Harry always remained close to his sister, Germaine Whitlatch, and her daughter,
Sharon.
He attended Shiloh School through the eighth grade and later graduated from Attica
High School with the class of 1954. Following graduation, Harry began farming and also
served in the Iowa National Guard.
Through church, Harry met a cute young woman named Elaine Richmond. They were
married in 1958, beginning a marriage that spanned more than 67 years and was
blessed with two daughters and countless cherished memories. Together they made
their home on the Century family farm outside of Bussey, where Harry had been born
and raised.
In their younger years, Harry and Elaine enjoyed many evenings at the Knoxville
Raceway and proudly kept the program from the very first Knoxville Nationals. They
also loved taking road trips and camping along the way, with Marion County Park being
one of their favorite destinations. Their yard, always decorated for each season,
became a familiar and welcome sight to many passing along Highway 5.
Harry spent many years working for the Marion County Road Department. Even after
retiring, he returned each summer to mow roadsides. He was known for arriving early at
the shop to have the coffee ready for others, even though he never drank coffee
himself. Harry took great pride in his work, often driving the county roads and pointing
out to family the ditches he had mowed or the roads he had helped repair.
Wherever Elaine was, Harry was never far behind. After her retirement, Elaine kept
busy with custodial work at the Bussey Clinic and spent countless weekends in
“Grandma’s Kitchen” during the Van Donsler Auctions, where she became well known
for her cooking, pies, and homemade desserts. Harry was always there beside her,
helping clean, making sure the coffee was just right, and serving as the chief beefburger
stirrer for the auction meals. Their partnership was constant and devoted—he often said
with a smile, “Whatever Mom wants is fine with me,” even when it meant something as
simple as chicken nuggets.
Harry and Elaine’s faith ran deep. They were active members of Attica United Methodist
Church, where Harry volunteered whenever needed, and faithfully rang the church bell
for Sunday services for decades.
Harry will be remembered for his big smile, gentle heart, and willingness to help anyone
in need. He had a special wave for those he knew yet never passed a stranger on the
road without offering one. He enjoyed cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, the Iowa
Hawkeyes, and the late, great Dale Earnhardt. Harry always drove Chevrolets and He
and Elaine enjoyed taking their 1951 Chevy 2 door hardtop to many local parades.
Harry was extremely proud of his one and only grandchild having a devoted career in
the automotive industry, and whenever they would speak, he would always ask, "How is
the car business today?" Above all else, Harry was a devoted husband and a loving
father whose steady presence, quiet humor, and faithful love shaped the lives of those
who knew him best.
He is survived by his daughters, Tania (Allan) Cook and Tarene (Joe Kennedy) Van
Polen; grandson, Lance Van Polen; sister, Germaine Whitlatch; favorite niece, Sharon
Allspach; and his loving dog, Maddie.
Harry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elaine, on March 1, 2025; his parents,
Ralph and Lucy Hart; brother-in-law, Hugh Whitlatch; nephew, Ted Whitlatch; and many
cherished pets over the years.