The Reverend Elmer L. Harvey died Friday evening, July 22, 2005. He was born in 1911 on his family farm home in Indiana. He graduated from DePauw University, and three years later, from the School of Theology at Boston University where he received a master's degree in psychology and a master's degree (magna cam laude) in Theology. The following year he received a Fellowship and studied in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Elmer married Kathryn Pearson in 1938; she preceded him in death in 2004. They had two daughters: Susan (Lloyd) Flanders of San Diego, California and Sally (Jim Malson) Rathert, of Neenah; four grandchildren: Dr. Scott (Julie) Flanders of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Stacy Flanders of San Diego, Heidi (Tom) Martin of Milwaukee, and John (Turi) Rathert of Winchester; and six great-grandchildren: Tess, Colin, Malia Kathryn, Emma Kathryn, Thomas, and Owen.
For twenty-two years, Elmer was a pastor of churches in Indiana. A voice defect necessitated his leaving this ministry, but he continued serving church institutions after earning an MBA from Northwestern University in Chicago. He was the administrator at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay for many years and then went on to become the President and CEO of Evergreen Retirement home in Oshkosh until his retirement.
He was a member and past president of Oshkosh Rotary Club. He was deeply involved in the work of the American Cancer Society, and for nine years was the Director of the State Society.
Elmer received many honors during his lifetime. In 1989, he was chosen as one of the ten most admired seniors in the state of Wisconsin. He was the recipient of the conference award for Evangelism for his work at his church, where he has been an active member since 1966. He has written and published more than 118 articles for professional journals and newspapers. He had two books published, and was proud, that with the help of his churches, he was able to sponsor refugee families from Yugoslavia, Vietnam, and Laos.
He was an amazing man who loved God, family, and every person that he met. His motto for living was to make a difference in other's lives. He was greatly loved and will be sorely missed.
A memorial service will be held at Algoma Boulevard United Methodist Church, 1174 Algoma Blvd., on Tuesday evening, July 26th at 6:00 P.M. the Reverend Barry Yarbro officiating. There will be no visitation prior to the service; a time for visitation and support will be immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial fund to go to the Care Assurance Program at Evergreen Retirement Home.
Seefeld Funeral and Cremation Services
www.seefeldfuneral.com
(920) 236-7750