Paul Joseph Harvey

March 22, 1940 – December 4, 2013

Paul Joseph Harvey died in his sleep at his home in Rhinelander, WI on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 as a result of multiple medical problems, including diabetes.

Paul was born March 22nd, 1940. Raised in Bruce, Wisconsin, Paul was Allie and IIa’s only son. He excelled in many sports, including football and basketball. Paul’s love of a good time led to many memorable escapades in the Blue Hills and around Bruce. His friends and family fondly remember him driving (and owning) a car well before he was old enough to have a license, hunting and fishing in Rusk County, and even enjoying a pet owl that he tried (unsuccessfully) to domesticate.

Upon graduation from Bruce High School in 1958, Paul enrolled at UW-Superior. He played basketball for the university and was a local radio D.J. where he became known as “Tall Paul.” Paul transferred to Eau Claire, where he played 3 seasons for the Blugolds. He was part of the first group of students to live on Water Street above the street level businesses. Paul was also a bartender who would frequently horse-trade whiskey for Sammy’s Pizza.

After receiving his undergraduate degree in 1963, Paul earned a Masters of Social Work from UW-Milwaukee where he met his future wife, Jane Rosenbaum. They were wed in 1967 and later moved to Oregon, WI. Paul worked as Assistant Superintendent at the Wisconsin School for Girls, helping wayward young women. He developed many lifelong friendships in the Madison area. Paul became a proud father in 1972 when Jane gave birth to their son, Tom. When an opportunity arose in 1977 to become a Field Supervisor in Probation and Parole, Paul moved his family to Rhinelander where he resided for over 35 years. Paul retired from the Department of Corrections position in 1995. Borrowing from his expertise in social work, Paul worked after retirement for several years as a mental health clinical therapist. He also was a part-time starter at Northwoods Golf Course.

Paul Harvey was a very unique character. His quick wit and deadpan delivery of a joke, an obscure political reference, or a kind-hearted rib were uniquely his own. Whenever there was someone performing badly in the public eye, he would state, “I think that guy’s on dope.” He loved to be the sarcastic contrarian, especially when it was obvious that his position was in the wrong.

His love for his wife, Jane, was never more evident than when he cared for her during her fight with cancer. Paul acted in a caretaker role that had never been seen before, despite his own medical challenges. Jane died almost exactly eight years before Paul.

Paul is survived by: his sister, Jeanne Mandelert of Middletown, OH; friend and surrogate Godmother, Mary Smith of Madison; son, Tom (Stephanie) of Eau Claire; two granddaughters, a niece and a nephew.

A Celebration of Life is planned to remember Paul Harvey from 1 to 3 PM, Sunday, December 8, 2013 at the Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Jane R. Harvey Memorial Scholarship, which provides annual support to a Rhinelander High School graduate that is enrolling at UW-Madison. Donations can be made out to Tom Harvey and sent to the Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home at P.O. Box 297, Rhinelander WI 54501. Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home, 715-365-4343 is assisting the family with arrangements. All are invited to light a candle and leave an online condolence for Paul at www.hildebrandfh.com.