Harvey B. Hartsook

Harvey was born January 13, 1934 to Curt and Lillian (Weyrauch) Hartsook. The small family traveled across Canada following available construction work. His sister, Carol was born in 1943 in What Cheer, Iowa "� near the hometown of Curt and Babe (Lillian). Later, the family settled down in Omaha. Through mutual friends, Harvey met his wife, Stacia Ann Flood in 1951 after he graduated from North High School in Omaha. They were married in 1953, and their daughter, Linda Rae was born in 1954. The family lived in Omaha until 1968. They then moved to an acreage in Swedeberg, NE, where they have remained to the present day. In nearby Wahoo, Linda met Steve Ludi, whom she married in 1986. Their children, Danielle and Chris were born in 1987 and 1990. This closely knit family has enjoyed the peaceful, quiet life of Nebraska and annual family vacations inside and outside the United States. Harvey's enjoyments were his family, maintaining his acreage, taking in stray dogs and cats, bowling, competitive poker playing, and reading. He was both physical and cerebral, enjoying discussions of politics and philosophy. His family knows him as the "�go to' man in any crisis. Harvey could take care of anything. Harvey continuously provided support, warmth, a sense of security and "safe harbor"�, fun, and joy to his immediate and extended family, friends, and fellow workers. In 1953 he joined the Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers Local 39 in Omaha. He advanced through the ranks and was appointed to the office of International Vice President to represent the Midwest States in 1978. He was elected to 5 consecutive terms until he retired in 2007 at the age of 72. Upon retirement, the FALL edition of the Heat and Frost Insulators Journal published the following quote about Harvey: "Harvey Hartsook has been a guiding force in helping to chart the course of our International Union through some very difficult times, both politically and economically for our nation."� "Known for his quiet, but forthright demeanor, Brother Hartsook's advice and council as a General Executive Board member has earned him the respect of our General Officers, fellow board members, the elected officers of his conference, and the general membership of our International, particularly those working under the jurisdiction of the Midwest States Conference affiliates."� Harvey passed away at 10 p.m. on November 14, 2012 surrounded by his loving family after battling kidney cancer for 7 months. He is loved and will be missed greatly by family members, friends, and fellow workers. Harvey is survived by his wife Stacia; daughter and son-in-law Linda and Steve Ludi; grandchildren Danielle Ludi and Chris Ludi; sister Carol (Ray) Richmond, all of Wahoo; sisters-in-law Dona Hall (John Flittner), of Wahoo, Suzi (Jake) Jacobberger, of Chesterland, OH; and many nieces and nephews.