Larsen, Harvey B. (1925-2005)

LARSEN, FRIES

Posted By: John Schulte (email)
Date: 8/9/2005 at 11:34:57

Audubon County Advocate

Funeral services for Harvey B. Larsen, 80, were conducted July 26, 2005 at the Exira Lutheran Church in Exira, with Pastor Bill Embree officiating. Interment was in the Exira Cemetery in Exira. Military graveside services were conducted by American Legion Ballou Post No. 332. Casket bearers were; Larry Johnson, Mick Thompson, Greg Baier, Mitch Munch, Don Akers and Dallas Schwenneker.

Harvey Bernhardt Larsen, the son of Lars N. and Caroline Fries Larsen, was born May 3, 1925, at his parents’ home west of Hamlin, and died July 22, 2005, at the Exira Care Center, in Exira.

Harvey was baptized and confirmed at the Exira Lutheran Church. He attended rural schools, then helped on the family farm until he was inducted into the United States Army on Aug. 18, 1944.

On Dec. 28, 1944, he was united in marriage to Barbara Dunn at the Exira Lutheran Church parsonage in Exira. Harvey was transported with his Army Unit over to the European Theatre. During his tour of duty, he served as an Antitank Gun Crewman and saw action in Germany, where he was wounded on March 22 of 1945. He spent several months in Army hospitals in Europe, then was in several hospitals when he returned to the United States. Harvey received the Purple Heart medal for the wounds he received. He was honorably discharged on Feb. 21, 1946. Harvey and Barbara moved to Exira for a short time, then moved to Glendale, CA. Harvey was employed at a war plant for a short time. They returned to Exira and Harvey worked at the Nelson-Jessen Service Station. Harvey branched out on his own and operated an auto repair and body shop for several years. In 1967, Harvey purchased Minerman Motor Co. and established Larsen Ford. He operated Larsen Ford-Mercury until the business closed in December of 2004. Harvey moved to the Exira Care Center in May of 2005.

Harvey was a lifelong member of the Exira Lutheran Church and served on the church board. He had served on the Exchange State Bank board and had served on the Exira City Council.

Preceding him in death, were his son, Edward Larsen; his grandson, Damon Huffman; his parents; and his sisters: Irene and husband, George Jorgensen; and Gladys and husband, Ernest Jessen.

Harvey is survived by his wife, Barbara Larsen of Exira; his children: Sandra and husband, Reverend Gordon Buchholz of Dow City; Sherrill and husband, Larry Huffman of Audubon; his grandchildren: Robert and wife, Kari Hansen of West Palm Beach, FL; Christopher Hansen of Atlantic; McKenzie Larsen and Brook Larsen, both of Exira; Kalin Huffman of Audubon; his great-grandchildren: Karina and Reese Hansen, both of West Palm Beach; his sister-in-law, Carolyn and husband, Don Waste of Escodido, CA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.