Susan Harvey

After a hard fought and defiant battle with multiple illnesses, Susan Kay “Susie” Harvey passed away peacefully and naturally on Saturday, June 17th; leaving a life filled with love, laughter, and song. She was welcomed into the arms of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, with whom she shall live, forever. She was 71.

Susan Kay Truchinski was born February 28th 1946, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, to Doris and Roland Truchinski. As their second child and oldest daughter in a family of six siblings, Susie had a unique position within the family. While attending Marshfield High School, she was a loving sister and helpful caretaker to her brothers Gary, Rod, Kevin, Todd, and sister Sheri (Towne). It was here that Susie learned the lessons of persistence and hard work, something that she would carry with her for the rest of her life.

By chance, Susie made her way to Des Moines, Iowa, where she was greeted and befriended by new friends within the local ethnic Greek community, with whom she worked with in the food service industry. It was at one such establishment, Mr. Filet Steakhouse, in which Denon Charles “Chuck” Harvey strolled in for a fateful cup of coffee. After the enthusiastic prodding of her friends and co-workers, their “Soo-Soo” agreed to a date with the enigmatic Chuck. They were married two weeks later.

Susie and Chuck raised three children, Denon Charles “Denny” Harvey II, Amber Noelle Harvey (Williams) and David Logan Harvey. Throughout their seventeen-year marriage, Susie dedicated herself to being a loving mother and homemaker, while also pursuing her passion to sing in choir and to teach the little ones at church. Susie was a praise leader, Sunday School teacher, and Vacation Bible School teacher at Trinity Baptist and Grace Assembly churches throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s. Susie’s specialty was working with the “little ones”, children ages 2 to 6 years old. Her passion for music and praise would touch all those with whom she came into contact with, most notably her children, who grew to love music almost as much as she did.

Susie returned to Wisconsin as a single mother in 1988, to raise Amber and David nearer their extended family. It was here that she continued her passion for praise at Christian Life Fellowship in Port Edwards, Wisconsin. She attended Mid-States Technical College at this time as well, proudly earning her GED certificate, and a certificate in Office Management.

Susie moved back one last time to her second home, Des Moines, in 2003. It was here that she spread her wings fully, and found the peace of mind she had sought for so many years. She was an avid supporter of the arts, specifically musical events, and attended many local festivals and functions. Susie became a volunteer at her beloved Iowa State Fair, where she was stationed at Little Hands on the Farm, a place where she could once again teach the little ones, and make them smile. Between State Fairs, Susie was a frequent patron of the Franklin Avenue Senior Center, where she enjoyed lunches and card games with her friends.

While she may not have truly understood or comprehended her impact upon those she came into contact with, Susie touched so many lives. Her musical abilities, combined with her personality, and huge beaming smile, would endear all those with whom she met. Susie was one-in-a-million, and the world is genuinely a little less bright, and fun, without her.

Susie was preceded in death by her father, Roland Truchinski; brother, Kevin Truchinski; and former husband, Denon “Chuck” Harvey. She is survived by her three children; Denny Harvey, Amber Williams, and David Harvey; five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

We will all miss her, forever.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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