Michael N. Harvey, age 74, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 10, 2024. A Christian Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM with visitation time from 9:30 – 11:00 AM on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 14085 Pike Lake Trail NE, Prior Lake. Reverend Robert Nowak will preside. Michael will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 9:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be given to Holy Cross Lutheran Church Altar Guild.
Michael Norman Harvey was born in Granite Falls, MN and for 17 years was the only child to Everett and Mabel Harvey until his sister, Patty, was born. Mike attended school in Murdock MN where he eventually became president of his senior class.
After high school Michael entered the Air Force, working on Radar installations stateside during the Vietnam war. After leaving the Air Force, Michael married Particia and they started their family in Sun Prairie, WI. After working at Hanley Implement, he took a job with Sperry New Holland. Mike loved the work he did and was a dedicated employee for 35 years, making many friends as he journeyed through the company.
Michael married the love of his life, Patricia Nichols, in 1972. They would go on to celebrate 51 years of marriage blessed by three children, 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. The depth of their love may be most evident in the last year as they faced cancer solidly together with sweetness and tenderness. The Harveys grew up camping, playing board games, traveling to see family, and curling up on the couch with popcorn and a movie. As empty nesters Mike and Pat would travel, attend events for the grandkids and help anyone – especially their kids and their church – with projects. Mike would always find time to help Pat’s gardening ideas and plans come true.
Michael loved family and enjoyed time with friends. He loved classic cars, collecting model tractors and taking beer tours at Old Chicago. Mike was a man of faith. With each move the family made one of the first stops was to find a new church to attend.
Mike was an active leader and member at Holy Cross in Prior Lake for nearly 30 years.
Michael was dearly loved. He was a wise man that many people trusted. Mike made people feel special and welcome. He was quick with a joke and could take as well as he gave. Mike will be missed greatly by his family and friends but in life Mike said he was not scared of death. He knew where he was going. In his last weeks he showed his faith. As his family and friends, we do not say goodbye to Mike, we say, “See you later.” Alleluia, Christ is risen!
Michael will be dearly missed by his wife, Patricia Harvey; children, Janai Wagner, Michael (Erin) Harvey, and Shane Harvey; grandchildren, Brianna (Ian) Costello, Addie, Lily, Michael Jr., Gabriel, and Caleb Harvey; Alyssa (Adam) Cayton; great grandchildren, Adam, Aiden, Abel, Adylena, and Archer and other loving family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Mabel Harvey; and sister, Patricia Kaye Harvey.
