Larry Dean Fitzke

Larry D. Fitzke, 82, of Harvard, Nebraska died Sunday August 27, 2017 at the Harvard Rest Haven.



Funeral services will be Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at 10:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church in Harvard, Nebraska with Pastor Travis King officiating. Interment with military rites by the Harvard Veterans Association will be in the Harvard Cemetery following the service. Visitation with the family will be from 5-8 PM Tuesday, August 29 at the First United Methodist Church, Harvard. Condolences may be sent to the family from www.apfelfuneralhome.com. Apfel Funeral Home, Harvard is in care of the family.



Memorials given to the family will be designated at a later date.



Larry was born on April 3, 1935 at Clay Center, Nebraska to Walter and Edna (Schwenk) Fitzke. He grew up in rural Harvard and graduated from Harvard High School in 1953. He entered the United States Army on December 23, 1955 and served overseas duties in Anchorage, Alaska, transferred to the Army Reserves and was honorably discharged on December 22, 1961.



He was united in marriage to LaVonne (Bonnie) B. Rath on July 28, 1956 at the First United Methodist Church, Harvard. The couple lived and farmed in rural Harvard, before moving into Harvard in 1995.



Larrys lifelong passion was farming. He enjoyed all aspects of farming from planting to harvest and passed his love for agriculture and hard work ethic on to his five sons. He was very proud of his sons and grandchildren and enjoyed watching them participate in all of their activities. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Harvard, VFW, Aurora Country Club and the Grand Island Saddle Club.



Larry is survived by his wife Bonnie, five sons Russ and Peggy Fitzke of Imperial, NE, Randy and Deb Fitzke of Clay Center, NE, Ron and Beth Fitzke of Sutton, NE, Roger and Carrie Fitzke of Seward, NE, Robb and Sonja Fitzke of Waco, TX, sister Bonna June and Jack Schropp of Hastings, NE, 13 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.



He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Edna Fitzke and nephew Mike Schropp.