ROCK VALLEY—Harvey Judine Olson, 77, Rock Valley, died Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Whispering Heights in Rock Valley.
Service will be 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, at Porter Funeral Home in Rock Valley, with Chris Van Beek and Jason Strubbe officiating.
Burial will be at Grace Hill Cemetery in Hawarden. Visitation with family will be 2-3 p.m. Tuesday.
Condolences may be sent to www.porterfuneralhomes.com.
The funeral service will be recorded and uploaded to his obituary page.
Harvey was born Sept. 4, 1946, to Judine and Martha (Anderson) Olson. He grew up on a farm near Akron, IA. He had one sister, Barb. She was the “big sister” and always looked after him. Barb and Harvey still made weekly phone calls to keep in touch!
Harvey married Cheryl Broline and they had two sons, Paul and Aaron. Later, they divorced. This led Harvey to meet the love of his life, Vicki Strubbe. They met when she was walking home one night — her “knight in shining armor.” I think it’s safe to say that God had a hand in this. Vicki often says that her and Harvey met at just the right time. Harvey and Vicki made their home in Hawarden, Iowa where they lived and raised the boys. Vicki worked at the salon and Harvey at Custom Coils in Alcester. He worked as the quality control manager. I don’t think this would surprise anyone, as Harvey was often described as “particular and methodical.” His clock shop, garage, and lawn were always immaculate. Everything had its place!
Harvey loved to work on his clocks and watches and was happy to give you a tour of his “shop” in the basem*nt before any holiday gathering. Harvey and Vicki hosted many, if not all the holiday gatherings. They were so gracious, anyone and everyone who entered their home felt welcomed. When Vicki was running around prepping for ALL things, Harvey was in the background saying, “yes dear.” I think he had life figured out!
Harvey was not afraid to share his faith as well. He had given his life to Christ and on one of their first dates, asked Vicki if she would do the same. It was evident that this was the foundation of his life. He shared the gospel, sending Christian songs and verses to his nephew and through his love of music! You might be surprised to know that Harvey was in a rock band, The Steel Flame back in the day! He later joined a Christian Rock band as well. He played the bass guitar. He passed along this talent to his son Aaron. They recently reminisced about the days where the sound of drums and guitar filled the air! Paul, Harvey’s oldest son, often hears, “you look just like your dad when you smile,” reminding us of the same smirk Harvey had.
Harvey retired from Custom Coils after 30 plus years. They then moved to Rock Valley to be closer to their family. Harvey was diagnosed with Parkinson’s shortly after. He spent the last 3-4 years battling this disease. He rarely complained — more “yes dear” moments. (sometimes with “that look”) Harvey, with the grace of God and Vicki, his tender loving caregiver, was able to remain in his home. He loved his French dip, without the dip, and root beer- no ice! They often spent evenings sharing popcorn and a movie. Due to the progression of the disease, Harvey moved to Whispering Heights on Feb. 26, 2024. He brought along with him his dry sense of humor that often made the staff laugh. As the end neared, Harvey often mentioned his sons and Vicki and wanted to make sure they were all OK. I have full confidence that he knew where he was going … until we meet again!
Harvey is survived by his wife, Vicki of Rock Valley; his sister, Barb (Jim) Driessen of Pineville, LA; his son, Paul (Trish) Olson, Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren, Alec Olson, Longmont, CO and Andi Olson, Longmont, CO; stepgrandchildren: Trevor (Alyssa) Schuurmans, Sioux Falls, SD, Cassie (Nick) Myers, Spearfish, SD, and Tad (Mikayla) Schuurmans, Tyndall, SD; great-grandchildren, Kayla and Max; step-great-grandchildren, Layla, Briar, Lettie, Remi and Miles, his son, Aaron (Theresa) Olson of Yankton, SD and their children, Chandler Olson of Yankton, Karly (Mason) Pickett of Vermillion, SD, and Connor Olson of Yankton; stepgrandchildren, Corbin, Caryssa and Cayden, all of Yankton; brother-in-law, Mark (Sue) Strubbe of Rock Valley; sister-in-law, Billie (Ray) Berner of Longmont, CO; sister-in-law, Melanie Ranschau of Rock Valley; many nephews and nieces; and good friend, Randy Larson of Hawarden.
Harvey was preceded in death by his parents, Judine and Martha; and brother-in-law, Jim Strubbe.
