Harvey E. Westphalen

Harvey Edward Westphalen was born September 25, 1934, the son of Edlef and Sophie Westphalen. He died Sunday, February 28, 2016, at his home at the age of eighty-one.
Harvey was born on a farm near Schleswig, Iowa. The same farm where he raised his family, loved the land, and spent his final days. He was baptized into Christ by Pastor C. Runge October 21, 1934, and confirmed in the Lutheran faith by Pastor F.A. Gumz March 30, 1947, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hanover Township, in Charter Oak, Iowa. Following his formal education Harvey enlisted and served in the National Guard. On February 25, 1966, Harvey was united in marriage to Ronna Mohr, the couple was blessed with the birth of three children.
Harvey enjoyed family gatherings with his large extended family and special times with his children and grandchildren. He was a farmer who was fortunate to have been able to work at a job he loved and to share that passion with his family. Farming to many may seem like laborious work with little reward, but to him it was much more. It was a lifestyle that required work and dedication with the understanding that you will get out of it what you put into it, but it wasn’t without reward. Raising his family on the farm allowed him to spend more time with his children, to lead them by example to be strong and independent adults with an appreciation for the world around them. Harvey had deep faith in his Lord and Savior which was evident daily. He loved his Lord, his family and his land.
Harvey was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters: Ardis, Wilma, Sharon and Norene. Survivors include his wife, Ronna; one daughter, Kim and her husband, Michael; two sons, Matthew and his wife, Brenda; and Paul and his wife, Rhonda; seven grandchildren; one sister: Inez; two brothers: Larry and his wife, Shirley; and Russell and his wife, Fanelda; many other relatives and friends.