Harvey Dale Hietala, age 86, of Grand Rapids, MN passed away peacefully with his daughter by his side on Friday, June 21, 2024, at his home.

Harvey was born in 1937 to Walfred and Ruby Hietala, in the family cabin in Wadena, Minnesota. He was one of 9 children. The family moved to Sebeka, MN and he attended the local schools there. After graduating high school, Harvey went on to Bemidji State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor's in English with a minor in Biology. Harvey continued his education at the University of Indiana and received a Master's in Russian. Through a federal grant, he was able to travel to and around Russia as part of his Master's program. It was while he was attending college in Bemidji that he met Esther at the student union, and on March 4, 1960, the couple married, and together they were blessed with three children: Pam, Dale, and David.

Harvey started his career in education in 1961 as an English teacher in Oklee, MN and ended up in Grand Rapids in 1967. After the family moved to Grand Rapids, he taught 7th grade English. He retired from Grand Rapids after 38 years of teaching. During his summer months he enjoyed carpentry and woodworking, he was noted for making beautiful cabinets and furniture. Stricken with Polio in childhood, Harvey learned to play the harmonica, which was deemed therapeutic for his recovery. He stopped playing when he went to college, however, and started playing again after his retirement. Harvey played in the 2nd Wind Harmonica Band for 15 years and he also served as the band director. The band would go to senior living centers and many other community events, to entertain the public with a wide variety of music.

Along with his woodworking, Harvey enjoyed working on his hobby farm and doing crossword puzzles.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Esther; brothers, Sidney, Richard, Clarence, and sister, Edith. Harvey is survived by his children, Pam (Pete) Zimmerman, Dale Hietala, and David Hietala; sister, Viola Barton; brothers, Arnold, Marvin, and Ronald Hietala; grandchildren, Shawn, Dustin, Kira; great grandchildren, Riley, Caiden, Landon, Kayanne; and many numerous friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024, at Rowe Funeral Home, beginning at 12:00 PM, and lasting until the 1:00 memorial service. Burial will be at Wildwood cemetery at a later date. Mary Shideler will officiate.