Harvey Martin Fischer of Fayette passed away at home on June 5, 2023 surrounded by his family. Harvey was born on February 5, 1931 to Anton Fischer and Viola (Sengstock) Fischer in Alcester, South Dakota. He was raised in the Stanley area by the Kyle and Harold Irvine families. Harvey attended Stanley school graduating in 1949.

Harvey married his high school sweetheart Virginia Byerly on November 18, 1951. The couple had 8 children. Harvey farmed in the Lamont area until 1966 and worked at John Deere until his retirement in 1993.

Harvey never lost his love for farming and loved being outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air. He was a very hard worker and enjoyed using farm equipment; tractors, combines, mowers, almost anything that made work easier. He loved auctions and was always looking for a bargain, sometimes re-selling an item he’d bought immediately, if another bidder came up and offered him more. When he could no longer get on the tractor, he would still get on the lawn mower and enjoyed mowing the lawn. As Harvey lost his mobility, he chose a comfortable chair by the window either in the living room where he could watch the birds or TV or in the porch where he could sit in the sunshine and “bake” his back.

Harvey is survived by his wife of 71 years, Virginia, children: Larry (Sissi) Fischer of Marianna FL, Patricia (Ray) Shaw of Adams MA, Kent (Rose) Fischer of Patterson NY, Rita Corbin of Oelwein IA, Scott (Tammy) Fischer of Fayette IA, Joel (Cindy) Fischer of Rifle, CO and Todd Fischer of Arlington IA along with 15 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Harvey was predeceased by his parents, 3 brothers, 5 sisters and a daughter, Holly Bickell.

Harvey was a long-time member of the Oelwein Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, being baptized in 1973. Harvey enjoyed the meetings as well as having many “spiritual” brothers and sisters. He was a very generous man and was glad to help anyone in the congregation who was in need. Harvey never wanted to make final arrangements as he would state, “I’m gonna live forever.” He firmly believed in the Bible’s promise at Revelation 21:4 “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” Harvey will be greatly missed by all who knew him.