Harvey Dvergsten, 79, of International Falls, died Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009, at his home.

Harvey Wallace Dvergsten, the son of Elmer and Mathilda (Williamson) Dvergsten, was born May 13, 1929, at Greenbush, Minn.

He grew up and attended rural school at Greenbush and Greenbush High School.

He worked with his father on the farm and raised turkeys.

Harvey married Erine Ignaszewski on Aug. 11, 1951, in Greenbush.

He worked on construction at Neche, N.D., and the sugar beet factory at Grand Forks, N.D.

In October of 1951 they moved to International Falls, where he worked for Mando paper mill in the wood room. He later worked for Boise Insulite for 19 years and then worked in the Union office as president and vice president until he retired. After retirement he worked at the Travel Information Center at International Falls for several years and enjoyed winters at Yuma, Ariz.

Harvey was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and the International Falls Lions Club.

Harvey enjoyed his time with family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved snowmobiling, horse racing, farming and visiting with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Erine Dvergsten; four daughters, Elizabeth (Calvin) Bacon of Vulcan, Mich., Eunice (John) Gustavson of Norway, Mich., Elaine (Terry) Aarness of Iron Mountain, Mich., and Ellen (Chad) Jonson of International Falls, Minn.; eight grandchildren, Cathy Bacon, Corey (Tanya) Bacon, Debbie (Len) Switzer, Rick (Shannon) Gustavson, Crystal (Mike) Falik, Lindsey Aarness, Tyler and Ashley Jonson; five great-grandchildren, Tahni and Taylor Ferris, Hunter and Madison Bacon, Henry Switzer and two more coming in May, Baby Gustavson and Baby Switzer.

Harvey was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Harold on Feb. 7, 1965 at age 10; three brothers, Arnold, Clifford and Orville Dvergsten; and a sister, Miranda Kaml.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, International Falls.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services in the church.

Gieseke Funeral Chapel, Greenbush, is in charge of arrangements.