Harvey Donald Waters, 75, of Ada, MN, formerly of Apache Junction, AZ and Chisholm, MN died on Sunday, March 29, 2020, at Twin Valley Assisted Living and Memory Care.
Harvey was born March 7th, 1945 in Chisholm, MN, to Ellen and Donald Waters. His red hair, blue eyes and motorcycle caught Karen Sue’s eye and they married on September 18th, 1965 at the First Baptist Church in Chisholm. He served in the Army National Guard and shared many stories of time spent cooking for his fellow Guardsmen.
Harvey and Karen had three children, Raymond, Roxanne, and Rachel. They raised their family in Chisholm, on the Iron Range. Many summers were spent camping and he especially loved teaching his children how to fish, hunt and appreciate the outdoors. Harvey worked his career as a butcher for Piggly Wiggly, later Jubilee Foods. Harvey was a hardworking man with a contagious laugh. He loved to tell a good joke, tap his toes to a great tune, be a dependable friend, and give anything he could to help someone in need.
His greatest joy aside from his wife and children was being a grandpa. “Papa Harvey” was a proud grandfather to Dawson Joseph, Hannah Marie, Evan Daniel and August “Gus” Ray. He loved to share his jokes, laughter and play with his grandkids, watching them grow. Some of his fondest memories included fishing on Lake Superior, hiking Superstition Mountain, cooking and wood carving. He was a kind man and grew in his faith over the years.
Harvey is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Karen; daughter Rachel (Danny) Brandt of Ada; Grandchildren Dawson (son of Raymond); Hannah, Evan and Gus (children of Rachel and Danny); siblings Ed (Mary Jean) Waters of Chisholm, Edie Brusacoram (the late Donald Brusacoram) of Buhl and David (Lois) Waters of Bigfork; mother in law Faye Collins (the late Raymond Collins) of McKinney, TX; sister in law Rebecca Hurst (the late Rodney Hurst) of Apache Junction; brother in law James (Robin) Collins of Texas; sister in law Cindy Collins of McKinney, TX; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, special friends and neighbors. Harvey was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Ellen (Bengston) Waters; daughter Roxanne Waters; dear friend Barbara (Roger) Paradis, son Raymond Waters; brother in law Rodney Hurst, father in law, Raymond Collins and brother in law Donald Brusacoram.
A friend to many, Harvey loved to tell stories and sing songs. One of his favorites was quite catchy and would make his grandchildren giggle. It goes something like this. “A one, and a two and a three…A peanut sat on a railroad track, its heart was all aflutter. A train came roaring down the track, TOOT TOOT! Peanut Butter!”
It was with great pride he moved to Ada, MN to be closer to family and enjoyed being a member of the Ada community. Harvey spent time watching parades, attending races, was proud to walk the Norman County Relay for Life as a cancer survivor, looked forward to the annual Norman County Fair and attended St. John’s Lutheran Church, Green Meadow. Prior to making their move to Ada, Harvey and Karen lived in Apache Junction, AZ for 12 years and were members of the East Valley Church of the Nazarene, Apache Junction.
Harvey kept loving his family up to his last moments and left this earth with Karen and Rachel by his side. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease which may have taken his memory, but not the love and kindness in his heart. He was lovingly cared for by the kindest caregivers who were also a special part of his journey through his very last moments. May we all think of Harvey and his caring heart, laughter, loving nature and smile. He was a true example of dedication, determination, hard work and being a loving human being to others. He will be missed by his family, friends, neighbors, and his sweet dog, Suzi.
A Private Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2020 at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home in Ada, due to COVID-19 concerns, attendance will be by private invitation from family only. Minnesota and CDC COVID-19 social distancing guidelines will be followed. All are encouraged to wear a mask. A video recording of the service will be available on our website within a few days.
Burial: Ada Municipal Cemetery, Ada, MN
In memory of Harvey, the family requests memorials in his name to organizations closest to his heart- St. Jude’s, American Cancer Society or Alzheimer’s Association.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.fredriksonfh.com
Arrangements with Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Homes
Ada, Minnesota (218-784-4600)
