It is with great sadness, but with much love and gratitude in our hearts for an incredible life lived, that we announce that our dear husband, Dad, Harv, Papa, Ho-Ho and Gramps passed away peacefully on Sept. 2, 2026.

Harvey was born on Dec. 4, 1930 to Rudolph and Caroline (nee Klapprat) on the family farm in Whitemouth, MB. He was the youngest brother to 10 siblings, who have predeceased him.

Harvey married Joan Rerie on March 24, 1955. They were blessed with three daughters. Jackie (Murray – daughters Jessie and Bailey), Jill, and Jodi (Mike) and her children Megan, Luke and Blake. He was predeceased by his wife Joan in 1978, and his son-in-law Darin in 2014.

He found love again when he met and married Eileen and blended two families into one by the blessing of her three children; Kim (Craig – and children Robert (Kelsey) and Madison); Kevin (Roanna – and children Leeya and Judah), Shaun (Lori – and children Codee, Paige, Ashley and Morgan).

Growing up on the farm during the depression was quite an education – Dad became a jack-of-all-trades and a master of many! When old enough, he began working with his Pop and older brothers in bush camps. He then went on to work at CP Rail, highway construction, eventually leading to his trade of Welder /Pipefitter with Shell Oil Canada Refinery. When the Winnipeg Refinery was closing and relocating in 1983, he opted for early retirement. He then worked for several years at the refinery site in general maintenance, before moving back to Whitemouth. Harvey and Eileen then owned and operated a business there; "Whitemouth Sundries" for 18 years before his second retirement at age 77!

Our dad was many things to many people:

To our family, he was a loving husband to two wonderful women, Joanie and Eileen. He was the best Dad he could be to us, a dad who received both Mother's Day and Father's Day cards. He was a very proud Papa/Gramps/ "Ho Ho" to his beloved grandchildren.

Family, immediate and extended were extremely important to him. He thrived on family gatherings and thankfully, there were many! He loved playing the Christmas gift games, birthday celebrations, Thanksgiving tractor wagon rides with all the kids (young and old) and the annual Pischke reunions – just to name a few! He was happiest when surrounded by his loved ones. You knew you were loved if you were teased, poked, or pinched by Harvey!

To his communities, he loved coaching girls' softball for many years at East Elmwood Community Club. He was passionate about his involvement in the Whitemouth Museum and participated in many community events. He was a faithful member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and took great pride in his work on the cemetery committee. He rarely turned down an invite to any event or to help where he could.

His interests were vast. He loved wood working, carpentry, planning and building projects such as log furniture, his cottage at Victoria Beach. He also designed and helped build his and Eileen's home in Whitemouth.

To us, he knew most everything and could do almost anything:

He was a true outdoorsman, whether it be snowmobiling, quadding, or spending time in the bush. He loved his daily drives/ tours through the back roads of Whitemouth/River Hills with Eileen where he occasionally trespassed where maybe he shouldn't have been!!

He loved his naps whether it was outside under a tree or on the kitchen floor...anytime, anywhere!

One of his mottos - "If you're not ½ hour early, you're LATE!" Our motto for him was, "Dad's way or the highway!"

He loved music, particularly, old time, country (Waylon Jennings) bluegrass and gospel. He and Eileen rarely missed local events and gospel music jams. Of course, Dad was front and center singing along loudly and playing the spoons!

In his younger years he led by quiet example... in his older years – NOT so quiet!

He was a strong man of strong character with quite a stubborn streak – which undoubtedly contributed to his 95 amazing years.

He had a strong faith in God which he held close. This faith carried him through his entire life – both good and difficult times. Facing significant health challenges during his later life, he always seemed to rally and move forward. It has only been in the past two years that increasing health issues slowed him down.

We are truly thankful to all the healthcare staff in the Interlake Eastern RHA who cared for Harvey over the years, including Chris from Careica Health, his wonderful home care attendants and most recently, the staff at Beausejour Hospital. We would also like to acknowledge all his Health Care Providers, in particular Derek Edwards NP, Dr. P.M. Marzban, Dr. L. Homik and Dr. Mohammed (Beausejour ER) for their skills, knowledge, kindness and compassion conveyed to Harvey.

He fought hard to stay a little longer, but was ready and looking forward to Jesus, his Lord and Saviour, to take him home. He was excited to see all his loved ones in Heaven. What a reunion that must have been!

He was loved very much and we miss him terribly. His life was a blessing, and he will live in our hearts forever.

Harvey's Celebration of Life will be held at the Whitemouth Community Club, 61 First Street, Whitemouth, MB on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. with reception to follow.

If so desired, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.

Come home, come home It's suppertime,

The Shadows lengthen fast.

Come home, come home It's suppertime,

We're going home at last.

From a favorite hymn, "Suppertime"