Paul Harker

Alvord, IA: Paul Harker, age 89, of Alvord, Iowa, died Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Avera Merrill Pioneer Hospital in Rock Rapids, Iowa. Visitation with the family will be held on Thursday, July 2, from 10:00-11:30 AM at Porter Funeral Home in Inwood, Iowa. A private family burial will follow afterwards at Christ Lutheran Cemetery in Alvord.

   Paul Harker was born in Cambridge, Iowa on April 15, 1937, to Harry and Levenia (Backous) Harker. He attended elementary school in Cambridge. The Harker family later moved to Ames, Iowa where Paul would graduate from Ames High School. Paul joined the Air Force where he served our country for 10 years.

   Paul married LaVonne Schroeder on July 30, 1977, and together they farmed near Cambridge. Paul also worked in Ames for a construction firm and Story County Conservation. Paul later retired and moved to Alvord, Iowa.

   Paul had a fondness for dogs, especially his dogs Bingo and Dodger. Paul’s ability to always find the good in things will leave a lasting impression on his family and friends.

   Paul is survived by his wife, LaVonne of Alvord; 3 daughters, Debbie, Deena, and Dianne, all of Michigan; sister-in-law, Diane Naatjes; and several nieces and nephews.

   Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Levenia; sons, Dennis and Dean; siblings, John Harker and Naomi Stone; and brother-in-law, Don Schroeder.