Page created by: Jeffrey Western

Early Friday morning, Oct. 11, 2019, ninety-three year old Harvey Vern Western announced, “I think I am going.” Being a straight-talking man of his word, he did just that. Harvey would say, “you betcha.” Harvey was born Sept. 20, 1926 in Thorp, WI to Edward and Clara (Thielke) Western. He was the fourth youngest and last survivor of twelve children born into his Norwegian-German family. He graduated in 1944 from Stanley High school, in Stanley, WI where he excelled in math, his favorite subject. He was drafted into the Army five months out of high school and served in Europe in WWII starting in Nov. 29, 1944. His specialized training and strong math skills were required in his position as an Army “Technician Fifth Grade.” [Tech Corporal]. Eighteen months of his service was in Nuremberg, Germany during the Nuremberg trials where he took on additional duties when he became the General’s Assistant. He was honorably discharged on Aug. 21, 1946.

Harvey, fresh out of the military, found employment in the Midwest cheese factories owned and operated by his older brothers. While working at Lone Elm Cheese Factory, in Nekimi, WI.; Harvey met his life’s special love, Alice Hinz. Alice lived across the road from Lone Elm and was anxious to meet “the new cute guy” working there. It was the start of their love story and our family’s history. They married Oct. 20, 1950 and a few years later raised three children on their 40-acre farm across the road from Lone Elm. After a few years working and managing cheese factories, and a short stint at the foundry, Harvey found his life’s work on the Soo Line, holding numerous positions. He worked as a fireman, switchman, yardman, and retired after 35 years in 1989 as a brakeman.