Harvey Lloyd DeMars was born January 27, 1930 to Theodore DeMars and Marion Bond on a farm near Westhope, North Dakota. He passed away peacefully at his home in Mesa, Arizona on January 28, 2016. He attended public schools in Westhope, graduating from high school in 1948. Shortly after graduating he joined the Air Force and served as an airborne radio operator in MATS from 1950 to 1954. He was stationed in Massachusetts, Tripoli and Libya. He also attended radio school in Germany. After his discharge from the Air Force he began work in Columbia Falls, Montana constructing the aluminum plant there. It was in Columbia Falls that he met Dolores Anderson. They were married on June 12, 1955. Together they had five sons, Joe, Jerry, Jeff, Jim and Jon (who died at birth). Harvey graduated from the University of Montana in Missoula Montana in 1959 with a degree in Math Education. He then moved his young family from Missoula to Helena where they would make their permanent home. Harvey taught school for five years before purchasing Louie’s Grocery in 1965. He operated Louie’s until his retirement in 1994. Harvey’s wife Dolores passed away in 1985. Harvey then married Rita Bertelsen in June of 1988. They spent many years travelling the world and enjoyed wintering in Mesa, AZ. Harvey was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and served the church through his involvement with Stephen Ministry, Caring Friends, and church council. He also served on the Helena School Board, the St. Peters Hospital Board, the Chiropractic Board for the state of Montana, and was a trustee at First Security Bank for 38 years. He was also an active member of the Elks, American Legion, VFW, Exchange Club, Friendship Force and Common Hope. Harvey loved the game of golf immensely! He enjoyed many days at both Green Meadow County Club and Bill Roberts Golf Club, with both family and cherished friends. He achieved 5 holes in one, and he shot his age twice once when he was 76 and again at 81. He also enjoyed a good game of cribbage, bridge, poker, card games of all kinds, crossword puzzles, traveling, dancing and spending precious moments with his family and dear friends. Harvey was preceded in death by his wife Dolores, his son Jon, his parents, brothers, sisters, cousins and many good friends. He is survived by his wife Rita; his daughter, Linda Stratton of Egan, MN, son Joseph and wife Lisa of Helena, MT son Jerry and wife Holly of San Tan Valley, AZ, son Jeff and wife Lois of Townsend, MT and son Jim and wife Julie of Gilbert, AZ. Also surviving him are his brother in law, Jim of Eugene OR, his sisters in law Sharon Anderson , Clara Ellen Anderson both of Kalispell and and Dolores DeMars of Portland, OR. Rita’s children, Troy Bertelsen (Leianna), David Bertelsen (Vicki), Colene Domenech (Al) and Karin Bertelsen (Phil) also survive him. Together with Rita, Harvey had 21 grandchildren; Nathan Massman, Jenny Vaupel, Stefani Reinhardt, Joanna Dripps, Peter, Mary, John, Kassidi, Anna and Scott DeMars and Jake, Hunter, Morgan, Sawyer, Spencer, McKenna, Malia, Cedar and Mozelle Bertelsen, Isabelle and Jasmine Domenech. Harvey had four great-grandchildren Noah and Finley Vaupel and Neriah and Lyric Bertelsen. Also surviving are the Clarey in-laws; Audrey Kraus, Jim (Eunice) Clarey, Tom (Sandi) Clarey, Dick (Jennifer) Clarey, Lucinda (Jim) Cone, Kelly (Linda) Clarey and numerous dear nieces and nephews, and too many wonderful friends to list.
A service was held in the Palm Gardens South Hall, Mesa AZ on February 6, 2016 at 2:00 pm.
A social gathering celebrating Harvey’s life will be 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 27, 2016 at the Elks Lodge located at 330 Lola in Helena. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 28th at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1000 Helena Avenue with a reception to follow in the social center of the church. Burial rite will be at 3:00 p.m. at Forestvale Cemetery.
Harvey wished that in lieu of flowers you would make a donation to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1000 Helena Ave. Helena MT 59601, FaithSearch International 12701 Whitewater Drive Ste. 150 Minnetonka MN 55343-4152 or a charity of your choice.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Harvey.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
7:00 p.m.
Friday May 27, 2016
Elks Lodge
330 Lola
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday May 28, 2016
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
3:00 p.m.
Saturday May 28, 2016
Forestvale Cemetery
Forestvale Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
7:00 p.m.
Friday May 27, 2016
Elks Lodge
330 Lola
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday May 28, 2016
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
3:00 p.m.
Saturday May 28, 2016
Forestvale Cemetery
Forestvale Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Dina Wilkins Saurini says
I remember Mr. DeMars both as my 7th grade home room teacher and also my 9th grade algebra teacher. I started wearing contact lenses in the 9th grade and apparently looked miserable as he asked my mother why she made me wear them because my eyes were always so red. But most of all I remember how he took over and eventually bought my dad’s grocery store, Louie’s. What a wonderful man and teacher he was!
Wayne Steffan says
Mr. DeMars was a true inspiration to me as I was in his 7th grade math class and when he started to teach algebra in that class for those who’s grades where high enough, he allowed me to switch to algebra. I also took algebra in the 9th grade, and both times I earned A’s for the first time. Mr. DeMars had faith in my ability to do the work and he knew how to teach. Over the 50 plus years I have thought of Mr. DeMars often.
May be with our Load in peace
Wayne Steffan.
Kurt Jenewein says
Joe,
Sorry to hear about your Dad. Stopping in at Louie’s you were always greeted by a nice man behind the counter, even if you were a high school kid . He treated you with respect which in turn he taught people respect. Louie’s was the store you stopped at. My condolences and thoughts are with you and your family.
Kurt Jenewein
Terry W Bass says
A silent mover and shaker. Kind to all. Always showed people a way to lead. Either by listening or suggestion. May he rest in Peace and God bless his family.
Chuck Johnson says
I had Mr. DeMars for geometry in ninth grade. He was an excellent teacher who cared about his students and how we learned the subject he taught. He was well-respected and liked by students. Mr. DeMars was a nice and friendly fellow, both as a teacher and, years later, behind the counter at his convenience store.
Randy Routzahn says
Ron and I were saddened when we heard about your dad passing. Harvey was always apart of your lives all around. We saw him mostly at baseball and Louie’s. Harvey turned out a great bunch of boys and I am thankful for him and you guys. He was always proud of you, well most the time. God speed Harvey.
Gordon Rognrud says
Growing up in our neighborhood, the far east from California to Lamborn, and 9th to Broadway, ( quick thought/count) there were over 125 of us in ages from Joey to Jim who made Louie’s and to see Harvey our destination. He kept us in Bubble Gum and Squirt Guns! Love and respect.
Mark S. Gray says
I first met Harvey in the late 1960s when my parents, Buzz and Irene Gray, had sent me to Louie’s to pick up a loaf of bread and a carton of milk. As I had just received my driver’s license, it was their way of giving me practice time driving the family car. Harvey greeted me with a warm smile and a friendly demeanor. Over the years, I had the chance to come to know him as friend and mentor; he always made time to listen. When my parents passed on, Harvey served as a pall-bearer for their funerals. Harvey was a great and kind gentleman. He will be missed.
Greg and Cathy Kovich says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Darcie Hilton Dunlap says
Harvey was such a kind wonderful man and I greatly enjoyed our visits on the golf course of at church. Even if we didn’t have time for a lot of words, his smile and small wave were very touching and heart-warming. Rita, Jeff, Lois, and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope Harvey is enjoying the game of golf right now on a new course.
Elaine Cooper Power says
Please know of my sincere sorrow in the loss of Harvey, he taught my son and daughter in Jr. Hi. A great teacher, encouraging early on “get a college education”. Plus always friendly to our family, a joy to know at Louies. May God bless and give you comfort.
Tim Easton says
Joe,Jerry,Jeff and Jim,
So sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a Good Friend of mine for a lot of years. Good times visiting at Louies and the many rounds of golf we played together. He will be missed.
God Bless.
Rita Tenneson says
Dear Rita and family – I am so sorry to hear of Harvey’s passing. He was, indeed, a remarkable man. I remember his awesome smile and wonderfully pleasant nature. My kids loved visiting with him at Louies – he was so kind to them. May your joyous times together help fill the void in your hearts. Tons of love and prayers. Rita Tenneson
Charlie Schulz says
Sorry to hear about your dad. Helena icon, wonderful family, and legendary business, one many of us grew up with. I remember his smiling eyes the most, walking into the club house at GMMC and you saw his glance you always felt the warmth and his glee that another group was going out to play the game. I know his and your mom’s eyes are looking down and still smiling, swing easy.
J. M. Cooper says
I was in Louie’s 6 out of 7 days in the 1960’s. I would pick up my “papers” for my paper route, right on his sidewalk. But I always went in to buy something for the “walk”. Fast forward 50 years. I use to wait on Harvey and his lovely wife at On Broadway Restaurant. He was always, always a wonderful soft spoken man to me. Thank you Harvey.
Brian & Jean Peacock says
To all of Harvey’s family, we know that you will miss him dearly and we know that you will always have fond memories of your lives with him as shall we. I never was privileged to have had Harv for my teacher in school but I remember him well from those years as well as many rounds of golf shared with him in recent years. Rest well our friend.
Vi Madison says
Vi Madison
Harvey Was a wonderful person he will be missed by his and her family . and all his friends.after his first wife a wayd traveling to Mesa.and she was a wonderful also. My heart goes out to her now as I know hard it will be with out him
Vi Madison,
My thought and prayers for you Rita,Harvey was wonder person and lots of people loved him. At least you had a few good years and did a lot together.
Harvey, Was a wonder person everyone who new him thought a lot of him. When he married Rita was wonderful for both they traveled and had nice place in Mesa for the winter.
My thought and prayers for both go out for the both of you
go out for both of they
at Rita who also is a very wonderful person they enjoy traveling and just had a great time. He will be missed by his family and hers.
Vi Madison says
Vi Madison, Sorry I goof this up, Old age .
Cheryl and Larry Ghilardi says
Never was the world so blessed with such a kind, dear, caring and delightful man as Harvey. Memories of Harvey and Rita’s wedding well past 25 years ago and what a wonderful match they were together. And memories of dinners and drinks and dances and golfing at Green Meadow Country Club together. And liverwurst and limburger cheese sandwiches on rye bread with onions. God Speed Harvey and God bless you and keep you strong and safe Rita. He will be so deeply missed.
Denny Zeiler says
Dear DeMars Family,
I was saddened to read of Harvey’s death in the Independent Record. I thought back to the many rounds of golf we played as opponents in men’s league and in the “Saturday morning
game”.
Harvey was always spoke well of others and was happy go lucky. We on earth have lost a good person. May God be with you and comfort you.
Bill & Helen Dunbar says
Dear Rita and family: We’re so sorry to learn of Harvey’s passing. Great person, great neighbor, great Louie’s store owner- Just a fine gentleman. We’ll all miss him. God Bless him and all your family and may he rest in well deserved PEACE.
DOLORES JOSEPH says
DAN LARSEN AND DOLORES JOSEPH SAYS:
Dearest Friend Rita,
Harvey was “one of a kind” — sweet, sincere, and fun loving with a great smile and personality. He was such a wonderful part of our lives with all the dinners, golfing, and other events that we shared with the two of you for so many years!
We will miss him terribly and feel saddened that he is no longer with us. However, we have such precious memories in our hearts and feel blessed to have had him as our good friend. .
May God Bless you and your family, Rita. You are in our loving thoughts and prayers.
Gary Temple says
I fondly remember him as a wonderful teacher. Just a wonderful person.
Carolyn Masonl says
I hope that these lyrics will give you a measure of comfort as it did me.
He Will Call
(Job 14:13-15)
1. Life, like a mist, appears for just a day,
Then disappears tomorrow.
All that we are can quickly fade away,
Replaced with tears and sorrow.
If a man should die, can he live again?
Hear the promise God has made:
(CHORUS)
He will call; The dead will answer.
They shall live at his command.
For he will have a longing
For the work of his own hand.
So have faith, and do not wonder,
For our God can make us stand.
And we shall live forever,
As the work of his own hand.