11/14/2011
Irvin Harvey passed away Monday morning at his home in Oskaloosa. He was 90 years, 8 months and 21 days of age.
Irvin is survived by his sister, Mary Loreen Damhof of Wilmer, MN; his children and their spouses: Stephan and Sandra Harvey of Des Moines, IA; and Joan Malloy of Oskaloosa, IA; seven grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Irvin Andrew Harvey, son of Ward G. and Della Beaver Harvey, was born on February 21, 1921 on the family farm in Marion County, Iowa. Irvin started his education in a one room school house in Marion County and went on to graduate from Iowa State University in 1942. And later he returned to teach in the Ag Studies program.
He served in the Army Air Force, where he taught young men to read, write, and use the airplane's auto pilot system. He married Mildred Cox December 12, 1945. For over 50 years, Irvin and Mildred worked together as a team, raising their two children and operating the farm.
Mildred passed away January 8, 1997.
Irvin was a successful Mahaska County farmer for many years and served as Farm Service President as well as Farm Bureau Vice President.
Irvin was widely regarded as an innovator and often was the first to try new techniques in the field. Irvin received the Wallace Farmer Master Farmer Award twice and helped to train many Japanese men in the art of successful hog production.
Later, Irvin and his wife Mildred traveled to Japan to see his influence in their hog operations.
As a lifelong member of the Central United Methodist Church he had the pleasure of serving on the board, several committees and teaching an adult Sunday school class. Even after Irvin was unable to travel to church every Sunday, he faithfully listened to the broadcasted service on the radio.
Irvin was fortunate to find love for a second time; he married Laura Knowles October 25, 1997 and enjoyed 9 years of companionship until her death in January 2006. They relished traveling in their fifth wheel camper, and visiting family and friends throughout the country.
Irvin was the cement that held his family together and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Irvin was preceded in death by both of his wives, Mildred Harvey and Laura Knowles-Harvey; and his brother, Robert Harvey.