Harvey G. Heyer

Harvey Gerald Heyer, age 83, of Spring Lake passed away October 20, 2017. He lived a quiet & strong Christian life. A man of few words he could let you know with a look what he wanted to say. Harvey - aka - Harv, Dad, Grandpa or Sonny was brought into this world by the late Harvey P & Loretta Heyer on August 28, 1934 in Port Huron, MI.

Harvey was in the Army as a Sergeant during the Korean conflict stationed in Germany and then 25 years in the Michigan State Police force, ending as Commander of the Grand Haven Post. During his time in the force he obtained a degree from Grand Valley & MSU in Police Administration. This started the families love for MSU. Next was another 17 years at Consumers Power Company where he wore many different hats. Harvey really loved his time with MSP where his troops have written letters over the years thanking him for his fair and just leadership and love of great police work. Harvey retained great lifelong friendships from both careers and his time with horses. In retirement, he was busier than ever with riding & showing horses, golf, cards, swimming or any form of moving around keeping active. He was a member of the Grand Haven American Legion, Charles A. Conklin, Post #28.

On a daily basis, Harvey took care of his many horses over the years. He had a love of horses that dated back to his early days. He and Mary were 4H leaders for many years where he taught area kids the love and respect for horses. Once grandchildren were in the picture, Harvey created Pony camp, where the kids would spend hours out at the barn doing a variety of events.

Harvey was a member of the First Presbyterian church of Grand Haven where he really loved the early, more traditional services.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years – Mary (Sowerby) Heyer and three children: Brian (Lorna) Heyer, Chris (Sarah) Heyer and Melissa (Mark Oza) Heyer.  4 grandchildren  – Matt & Josh Heyer, Amanda (Aaron) Cooper, Kaitlynne Heyer and 1 great grandchild Owen Cooper, sister,  Joan Riggs. After his mother’s death, at an early age, his dad re-married and had 4 more children – Connie Hansen, Kathy Sainz, David and Terry Heyer. He was preceded in death by his brother, Billy.

The Service for Harvey will be at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2017, at First Presbyterian Church with Pastors Jill VanderWal and Troy Hauser-Brydon officiating. Interment will be at Spring Lake Township Cemetery. Friends may meet the family Tuesday from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Full Military Rites will be performed by the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin, Post #28. In lieu of flowers the family is asking please donate to the Michigan State Police Trooper Association: http://www.mspta.net/mstaf/donations/  or the Spring Lake Equestrian 4H club, Joan Meekoff 11580 Leonard Rd., Nunica MI 49448. Please visit www.klaassenfuneralhome.com to sign Harvey’s online guestbook. Arrangements by Klaassen Family Funeral Home.