PIERRE, SD – On July 2, 2026, God called Harvey Phillip Wald home, was 93. A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, July 24th at Isburg Funeral Chapel. He and his wife Irene’s cremains will be interred together on Monday, July 27th at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis SD at 1:30 pm(MST). For those unable to attend the service it will be live streamed in the link below.

 

Harvey was born on May 13, 1933, in Hague, North Dakota, to Michael and Caroline (Leier) Wald. Around the age of six, he became seriously ill with meningitis. His parents feared he might not survive, but Harvey pulled through. It was an early sign of the grit and strong will that would carry him through the rest of his life.

 

Harvey enjoyed fishing from a young age, especially the many trips he took with his dad to Apple Creek. He also enjoyed hunting, playing cards with family, and spending time outdoors. A skilled sportsman, he spent several years bowling professionally and competed on the circuit.

 

On August 5, 1953, Harvey married Irene LaVone Gilbertson. Shortly after their marriage, he was called to serve in Korea, where he was stationed for a little over a year and a half.

 

After returning home from Korea, Harvey and Irene lived in Bismarck for a short time before his work as a bricklayer brought them to Rapid City and later to Pierre, South Dakota, where he founded the construction company Wald Construction.

Together, Harvey and Irene raised six children. Harvey gave his children space and freedom to explore, create, and learn by doing. When they took apart a cement mixer to build a minibike, he let them. Looking back, that independence helped shape their curiosity, resourcefulness, and ability to solve problems.

 

In addition to his work and family life, Harvey had a lifelong interest in art and was a self-taught artist. He spent many hours painting over the years and remained committed to it throughout his life.

 

His faith was also important to him. He prayed daily and found strength and comfort in his relationship with God.

Harvey is survived by his children: Debbie K. Thomas of Piedmont, South Dakota; James M. (Sherri) Wald, Andy J. (Kathy) Wald, and Harvey D. (Renee) Wald, all of Pierre, South Dakota; Kevin R. (Colleen) Wald of Montevideo, Minnesota; and Jonathan G. (Julie) Wald of Aurora, Colorado. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Heather (Joe), Kayla (Ryan), Tallen (Kristine), Riley, Sigrid (Trevor), Tanner (Sarah), Aubrey (Quinn), Emily (Alex), Anika, Collin, Ashley and Thomas; his great-grandchildren, Natalia, Elle, Haakon, Silas, Harrison, Hendrix, Andrew, Beckham, Paxton, Roland, Clara, and Elise; and his siblings, Violet Heisler and Tony Wald.

 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; his parents, Michael and Caroline Wald; his sisters, Norma Metzger and Lucille Ferderer; and his brothers, Michael Wald and Gerald Wald.

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