Harvey Clarence Bolen

Harvey C. Bolen, 77, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026 at Serenity Hospice and Home. He was born March 6, 1949 to Clarence and Pearl Bolen. Harvey was married to Sheila (Nighswonger) on July 1, 1983 in Forreston. Harvey graduated from Leaf River High School then served in the Army and Army Reserves. He also attended barber college and served as a local barber for many years, worked at Dean Foods in Pecatonica, and worked for the Secretary of State as a driver's license examiner specializing in CDLs. Harvey spent his life living and working on the home farm outside of German Valley. One of his proudest accomplishments was purchasing a neighboring farm to his home place and managing both successfully. He enjoyed working with, buying, and selling machinery, and he looked forward to going to local auctions and visiting with others there. An avid Dodgers baseball fan since he was a child, Harvey also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and shooting sports. Harvey is survived by wife Sheila of German Valley; daughter Tracy Bolen of Baytown, TX, and son Joshua (Stacey) Bolen of German Valley; grandchildren Amos, Anstina, and Leo Bolen, Nick (Kihana) Izer, Tiffany (Mitchell) Francis, and Cheyenne (Cody) Munroe; great-grandchildren Wyatt, Dawson, Emerson, and Myla; close friend and cousin Robert (June) Bolen of Manawa, WI; and other extended family members. Harvey was preceded in death by his parents and brother Howard. According to Harvey's wishes, a private family service will be held, with a memorial open house on Friday, May 1 from 3-7 at the Bertolet Memorial Library, 705 Main St, Leaf River. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Harvey's honor can be made to Serenity Hospice and Home, Wounded Warrior Project, or North Grove Evangelical Cemetery Association.