Harvey Ellsworth Nordine

Harvey was born on May 15, 1936, in Donnelly, Minnesota, to Harold and Evelyn Nordine. He grew up in Northeast Minneapolis, where he developed the strong sense of community, loyalty, and family that would remain such an important part of his life.

After graduating from high school, Harvey enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, beginning a life of service and commitment to others. Later, he met Gayle, who became his wife and companion through the years, and the two married and built a family together. Harvey went on to work as a Minneapolis Police Officer and later in his career, he was an investigator with the Public Defender’s Office. Throughout his professional life, he was known for his dedication, fairness, compassion, and genuine concern for the people around him.

Harvey was the beloved husband of Gayle, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage. Together they raised three sons, Dan (Jennie), Bob, and Dave (Manisha). He was a proud father and was especially blessed by his grandchildren, Danielle (Emmett), Zach, and Niobe, and his great-grandchildren, Eliza, Saoirse, and Arlin.

Family was at the heart of Harvey’s life. He cherished time with his children and grandchildren and took great joy in watching each generation grow. He was the person who showed up—to celebrate, to listen, to lend a hand, or simply to share a laugh. His warm embrace, quick wit, and unmistakable sense of humor made family gatherings brighter, and he had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome and at ease.

Harvey was generous with his time, his attention, and his kindness. He had a gift for making people laugh and smile, and he formed lasting friendships throughout his life. Whether among family, longtime friends, colleagues, or new acquaintances, Harvey had a way of making people feel that they mattered. He was often at the center of a gathering, not because he sought attention, but because people naturally gathered around his warmth and humor.

He will be remembered for his kindness and compassion, his generous spirit, his sense of humor, and his unwavering devotion to the people he loved. More than anything, Harvey will be remembered as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend who gave those around him a lifetime of love, laughter, and memories.

Harvey was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gayle; his parents, Harold and Evelyn; his son, Bob; his grandson, Zach; and his brother, Owen. He is survived by his sister, Delaine; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will miss him deeply. Many thanks to Hayden Grove and St. Croix Hospice for the excellent care they provided.

Harvey leaves behind a family and community made richer by his presence. His laughter, kindness, and love will live on in the many people who were fortunate enough to know him.

A Funeral Service will be held at Sunset Funeral Home, 2250 St Anthony Boulevard NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418, US, on October 10, 2026, at 11:00 am, with visitation one hour prior. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Sunset Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eastside Meals on Wheels (www.eastsidemeals.org), The International Wolf Center (https://wolf.org/support/donate/), or plant a tree in a national park (https://plantatree.fs.usda.gov/tree-donation).