Dahlheimer Harvey

Harvey Dahlheimer, age 84 of Alexandria, originally from Rogers, Minnesota passed away suddenly on April 28, 2012 in his home in Alexandria Township. Harvey was born at his home just outside Rogers, MN on March 2, 1928 to parents Werner and Emily (Bebeau) Dahlheimer. As a child, he helped with the farm that became his life work, following a family tradition that went back to Germany. He started his own farm on French Lake east of Rogers, when he married Lucille Mathena from Osseo in November of 1949. He began by farming both properties with his father, as he earned young stock and raised his own herd. The family and farm both grew and when the ?city got too close? he bought a beautiful farm in Alexandria, and the family relocated to Gene?s Barn Road near Nelson in the spring of 1974. Harvey was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church, the first half of his life attending St. Martin?s in Rogers and the second half St. Mary?s in Alexandria. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, where in the past he did Sunday KC driving and KC bingo. He and Lucille traveled on numerous cruises, bus and car trips throughout the country. His last trip was to Sitka Alaska deep sea salmon and halibut fishing. Harvey enjoyed friendships that lasted a lifetime, appreciated sharing stories about farming and an occasional joke, and accepted each person who entered his life. He had an open door, open arms, and helping hands approach with everyone he met. He lived a life of integrity, with the ability to stay the course and finish whatever task he started, no matter how difficult. Work and family were the core of Harvey?s life. He continued to work the fields and repair equipment to the last week of his life. Each year he tended his garden, then shared and preserved the fruits and vegetables. Most days you could find him on the lawnmower, in the garden, or cutting wood. He enjoyed fishing and playing cards with family and friends; he loved singing, he baked, canned, and mended clothing. He enjoyed his golf cart, which he drove between his home and his sons? and around the farm. Each of his children and grandchildren felt they got special attention. He would telephone to sing happy birthday on their special day. On the morning he died, he had breakfast ready to go on the stove, texted his kids that it would be ready at 8:30, and then abruptly left this world, just the way he always wanted to go. Harvey is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Lucille; children Debra Haessly of Minneapolis, Jean (Steve) Milostan of Champlin, Jeff (Dana) of Champlin, Joel (Kim) of Alexandria, Daniel (Angelina) of Greensboro NC, and Jerry (Lynne) of Alexandria; 17 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; 4 siblings Lou Gmach of Rogers, George of Elk River, Howard of Golden Valley, and Marlene Reinking of Elk River. Preceded in death by siblings Lillian Hughes and Dorothy Schultz and a grandson Michael. A special thank you to Douglas County Sheriff?s department, the Alexandria police, and the North Memorial ambulance for their quick response and kind and caring assistance. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the St. Mary?s Catholic Church scholarship fund. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 4, 2012, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary?s Catholic Church. Burial will be at St. Mary?s Cemetery