In loving memory of

Harvey D. Steven
January 11, 1933 - December 15, 2018

Harvey Duane Steven, 85, of Algona, Iowa passed away December 15 at Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona, Iowa. Funeral services was held Wednesday, December 19 at 10:30 a.m. at Oakcrest Funeral Home in Algona, with Thomas Steven as the officiant. Burial was held at East Lawn Cemetery. Visitation was held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 18, at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Algona.

Harvey Duane Steven was born in Burt, Iowa, January 11, 1933 to Lloyd Harvey Steven and Dorothy B (Wise) Steven. After graduating from Mapleton High School, he served his country in the United States Army where he spent two years in Germany. Upon his return to the United States, he attended and graduated from the University of Minnesota and Central Baptist Theological Seminary. He was ordained at Lowry Avenue Baptist Church. During his college years, he married his sweetheart, Julia Pauline (Bowman) Steven, on December 23, 1957.

Harvey loved the Lord and felt called to the ministry. In the fall of 1965, Harvey and his wife moved to Artichoke Lake where he served as pastor of Artichoke Lake Baptist Church and director of Big Stone Lake Camp. After nearly 4 years, Harvey was called to serve as pastor of First Baptist Church of Algona, Iowa. Later, he and his wife felt called to plant Bible Baptist Church of Algona, Iowa where he finished his calling as a preacher.

Throughout Harvey's time in Algona, he was a bus driver and substitute teacher with Algona Community School District. Harvey also served as the vocational agriculture teacher with North Kossuth Community School District for a brief period.

In his later years, Harvey worked with North Iowa Tree Service, owned by his youngest son, Jonathan Steven. He also enjoyed volunteering for several Farm Safety Day Camps held at the Kossuth County Fairground. Harvey never knew a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. Over the years, Harvey could be found fixing cars with his sons, mowing lawns and managing rental properties. Harvey worked hard and held the motto, "If the job was worth doing, it was worth doing well."

He loved his children and grandchildren and derived great joy in their successes of finding new employment, remodeling a house, building a garage, and many others. He dearly loved his grandchildren and celebrated in their successes related to their learning, playing instruments, playing sports, and any other interesting things they had to share. He could often be found pulling pictures out of his wallet and telling stories about his family. At times, this quickly changed a 15-minute trip to the store into a couple of hours.

Harvey is survived by his wife of 61 years, Julia (Pauline) Steven of Algona, Iowa; children, William Steven of Pocahontas, IA, Thomas (Karla) Steven of Pella, IA, Julianne (Charlie) Taylor of Pella, IA and Jonathan Steven of Algona, IA; grandchildren, Danielle Steven and Clayton Steven of Pella, IA and Savannah Steven and Matthew Steven of Algona, IA; sister, Betty Ann Lewerke of Britt, IA; brother, Loren (Bev) Steven of Prior Lake, MN; sister-in-law, Arlyss (Neil) Steven and many nieces and nephews.

Harvey was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Dorothy; grandparents, Harvey and Anna Steven; brother, Neil; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Warren and Nellie Bowman.

Harvey is now at home with his Heavenly Father. "His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." Matthew 25:21 (KJV)

Tributes

Judy Erpelding wrote on Dec 19, 2018:

"So sorry for your loss! The Egel's have many great memories of Harvey and Pauline! May all those memories sustain you in this time of grief! Thoughts and prayers! "

Scott Sewick wrote on Dec 18, 2018:

"Thoughts and prayers to you family at this difficult time."

Jim and Rhonda St. John wrote on Dec 18, 2018:

"Thoughts and prayers with your family. He is with the heavenly father now. "

Loren & Bev Steven wrote on Dec 17, 2018:

"We have been praying for your family. May God grant you the comfort our hearts so desire in times like this."

Kristy Allison wrote on Dec 17, 2018:

"I have very fond memories of him substitute teaching. He was always patient, told interesting stories, and had a smile on his face. "

Diane Norwood-Steven and Rick E. Steven wrote on Dec 17, 2018:

"Diane Norwood-Steven and Rick Everett Steven, Dec 17, 2018. We are sad to learn of Harvey's passing. Our love and thoughts for Julia, children and grandchildren, and sister, Betty Ann. [Rick's sister, Anne Kiess and nieces + nephews live in the Algona, Iowa area. We are retired, residing in Rockledge, Florida, moving from Colorado Springs in May 2011.]"

Rita Westphal wrote on Dec 17, 2018:

"Praying for your family during this time. Love and prayers, Rita (Steven) Westphal"

William Steven wrote on Dec 17, 2018:

"We love you Dad God's Blessing we will all meet again. All our Love your Son William and Ward Steven. "

Jon & Karen Hixon wrote on Dec 17, 2018:

"We're thinking of you at this difficult yet joyous time. "

Matt Adams and Family wrote on Dec 17, 2018:

"Please accept my deepest sympathy. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. "

Roberta Engstrom Durand wrote on Dec 16, 2018:

"William, I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers."

Diane Kleineweber wrote on Dec 16, 2018:

"WE send our thoughts and prayers. Diane Kleineweber"