Harvey Hamburger

Harvey Hamburger, 86, of rural Seneca, passed away Thursday, May 12, 2011 at the Oahe Manor in Gettysburg, SD.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 16, 2011 at Grace Bible Church, Gettysburg with Pastor Dick Nickel officiating. Burial followed in the Gettysburg Cemetery. Visitation was held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, May 15, 2011 at the church with a 6:00 p.m. prayer service.

Harvey Roy Hamburger was born June 25, 1924 in Corn, OK, to Philip and Minnie (Sauer) Hamburger.  Harvey grew up four miles north of Corn, OK, where his parents farmed.  During his high school years, he suffered a stroke, keeping him out of school for one year and preventing him from earning a high school diploma.

Harvey was married to Irene Born on August 1, 1946 in Follett, TX.  They made their home eight miles south of Darouzett, TX, where he farmed and ranched with his father-in-law.  While in Texas, their little family grew to five as three beautiful children were born: Mildred, Martha, and Philip. 

In 1956, Harvey followed his father and brothers north, transplanting his family to Lebanon, SD, where he continued to farm.  While in Lebanon, another son, Elmer, joined the family.  In 1959, Harvey purchased the Walt Hall place, southwest of Seneca, SD, where he built his home and farm, raising crops and livestock.  In 1976, both of his sons joined his farming operation.

Inventive and practical, Harvey designed and built equipment himself, rather than purchase them.  He was always active in construction, building three houses in 1977, 1984 and 1990, and three different farm shops in 1965, 1985 and 2006. 

Harvey’s life was his relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and he strived to live according to God’s Word, the Holy Bible.  Harvey had a generous spirit, and gave away more than he spent on himself.   

He was a charter member of Grace Bible Church in Gettysburg and a member of the Farm Bureau.  

Harvey enjoyed living on the farm until he suffered another stroke in 2008.  He entered the Faulkton Manor and later transferred to the Oahe Manor in Gettysburg. 

He is survived by his wife, Irene of Seneca; daughters, Mildred (Rich) Richer of Miller, Martha (Gaven) Banik of Sioux Falls; sons, Philip (Barbara) and Elmer (Cecelia) of Seneca; brothers, Willie (Darlene) and Wilbur (Jean) of California, and Melvin (Viola) of Gettysburg; sister, Naomi (Wayne) Johnson of Dallas, TX; 15 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and many other relatives.

Harvey was preceded in death by his parents; infant sons Steven and Randy; and sister, Clara.      

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Harvey’s arrangements.