Harvey Herman Haats

Born to Etteus & Grace Haats on June 19, 1922 at Bejou, Minnesota, one of ten children. He is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and five sisters-Etteus, Jr., Hattie, Tillie, Johanna, Albert, Henry, George & Grace.

He is survived by his sister, Jeanette Larson of Willmar, Minnesota and his four children, Marilyn (Haats) Sieckert, Robert Haats, David Haats and Ginger (Haats) Barnes, and 25 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Harvey spent most of his early life on the farm in Bejou. He left home and made his own way by the age of 16, working on farms, driving a truck and working for the “Great Northern Railroad.” Harvey met his first wife, Virginia Phyllis Thompson, at age 18 and they were married on October 10, 1939 in Crookston, Minnesota. Virginia preceded him in death on January 27, 1981 in Grand Junction, Colorado. He met Lois Bellew Shamburg and was married on October 10, 1982. She also preceded him in death.

Harvey loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and loved to sing his praises and share with others at every opportunity. He loved his family and friends and was blessed by the love and support they have given.

Harvey served his country in the military. He joined the Army, Pacific Far East command June 1942-December 1945. He served in the Phillipines during WWII. He came home and due to lack of employment decided to re-enlist in the Army and make a career of it. He re-entered the service in April 1948. The Korean War broke out in June 1950. He received orders to be sent to Korea. He left Ft. Riley, Kansas and arrived in Pusaun, Korea in early September. He was commissioned to company commander within 3 days of his arrival in Korea, commissioned at 10:00am and wounded at 2:30pm. Harvey was shipped home by way of Tokyo for initial surgery and flown back the States from there, arriving in Hawaii in October 1950. He spent 9 ½ months in San Antonio, Texas then on to Chicago, Illinois for 4 months of rehabilitation. He finally able to go home to his wife and family in late October 1951. Harvey was completely blinded by his injuries, along with other severe wounds.

He enjoyed woodworking, mechanics and gospel music.

A Visitation at Martin Mortuary on Sunday, July 20, 2014 at 1:00pm to 3:00pm. A Graveside Service with Honors on Monday, July 21, 2014 at 10:00am at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Service to follow the Graveside Service at Martin Mortuary.

Arrangements under the direction of Martin Mortuary, Grand Junction, CO.