Harvey Andrew Van Keulen

Harvey Andrew Van Keulen passed away on Saturday, July 26th, 2025, at his home in Alexandria, MN at the age of 87. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be in the columbarium at St. Mary's Cemetery in Alexandria, MN.

Harvey Andrew Van Keulen was born on November 9, 1937, to John and Mary (Karolczak) Van Keulen. He grew up on a farm in Ghent, MN, where he developed a strong work ethic. Harvey enlisted in the Army Reserve where he trained and remained ready to serve his country from 1957 until 1964. During this time, he met Josephine "Jo" Bottelberghe at the bowling alley in Minneota, MN. Their love culminated in marriage on June 6, 1960. Together, they built a home in Marshall, MN, where they were blessed with two children, Randy and Brenda.

Harvey’s career as a mechanic began at Schwann's in Marshall, MN, where he was also actively volunteered for the Marshall Fire Department. In 1975, he and his family moved to Alexandria, where he furthered his career at International Harvester as a diesel mechanic. His dedication to his craft led him to work at ALASD, where he was responsible for repairing life stations. Harvey's professional journey also took him to Douglas Machine, where he often travelled internationally, assembling and fixing packaging machines in locations including Hong Kong and China. After a fulfilling career, he retired from Douglas Machine in 1996, but continued to work part-time as a greenskeeper at Alexandria Golf Club. This position allowed him to enjoy the outdoors and gave him more access to the sport he grew fond of playing during retirement. Amongst golfing, Harvey liked to play Bocce Ball and even participated in the Bocce Ball Olympics in Arizona.

During his younger years, he embraced an active lifestyle that included skiing on the lake and snowmobiling adventures. He was nicknamed "Hopzing" by his friends for always possessing the fastest snowmobile. He found joy on Lake Geneva, pulling friends and behind the boat tubing or for other various water sports. Harvey was a good provider for his family, and spent time playing cards with them when he was able to. Lately, Harvey enjoyed socializing with neighbors, often driving his trusty John Deere tractor to their homes. He will be remembered for jokingly giving everyone he came across with a hard time and loved when they razzed him right back.

Harvey Andrew Van Keulen passed away on Saturday, July 26th, 2025, at his home in Alexandria, MN at the age of 87. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Jo Van Keulen; children, Randy (Kim) Van Keulen and Brenda (Alfred) Lunak; grandchildren, Jeremy Van Keulen, Joshua Lunak, and Amanda Lunak; brothers, William (Sandy) Van Keulen and Francis (Jean) Van Keulen; and sister, Delores Van Keulen. Harvey is preceded in death by his parents.