Harvey C. Krautschun

Harvey C. Krautschun Jr., 76, of Spearfish, SD, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, after a long battle with Parkinson's. A devoted husband, father, and public servant, Harvey was a lifelong champion of the Spearfish community, defined by his integrity and unwavering belief in others.

Born July 15, 1949, in Brighton, CO, to Harvey Sr. and Iris Krautschun, Harvey graduated from Windsor High School before moving to Spearfish in 1968.

Harv enrolled in Black Hills State University, where he excelled in football and track. He was a member of the 1970 undefeated SDIC championship football team. His teammates loved Harv for his ferocity on the field, commitment to his team, and his take-no-prisoners attitude. Harv said he never waved his hand for a fair catch, because that “was for guppies”. Harv and his track team competed against the best athletes in the nation, such as Air Force Academy and Idaho State. Led by his coach and close friend Dave Little, Harv and his teammates won numerous track meets and several conference championships. He loved to tell the story of running indoors in the basement of a campus building where he and other teammates hauled in load after load of dirt to build an indoor track. He would laugh at how he would run the competition into the low steam pipes of the ceiling to win the races.

He earned a Social Science Degree from Black Hills State University in 1972, where he also met his lifelong partner, Joy Proctor. Following graduation, he attended Marine Corps Officer Candidate School; true to the motto Semper Fidelis, he remained a Marine at heart throughout his life. In 2008, BHSU honored him as one of its “Top 125 Accomplished Alumni.”

In 1976, Harvey and Joy launched a New York Life Insurance business, expanding in 1979 to found Financial Benefits Inc. Alongside partner Tamara Burke, who joined in 1996, Harvey built a nationally trusted firm known for excellence and community generosity. Harv strived for perfection. His hard work and dedication to helping people were unmatched. He loved what he did, and didn’t consider it work. He made the New York Life council for an unprecedented 47 out of 47 years. His professional accolades are too numerous to mention but Harv set high standards for himself and everyone around him.

Harvey was elected to the SD House of Representatives in 1984 where he served 12 years in the South Dakota State Legislature for District 31, concluding his tenure as Speaker of the House. He was affectionately known as the “mouth of the house” for his boisterous laugh, and deafening shouts when it came to voice votes. Harv also broke numerous gavels and gavel blocks because he “didn’t do anything halfway”. Like it or not you always knew where you stood with Harv. Republicans and Democrats alike respected him for his honesty and integrity. If Harv said it, you could “take it to the bank”. A staunch advocate for local economies, he received the “Guardian of Small Business” Award. His leadership extended to the BHSU Foundation Board, Spearfish Lions Club, and St. Joseph Catholic Church. Harv was also a founding member of the Western South Dakota Catholic Foundation. He spent nearly 30 years traveling to every single parish in Western South Dakota to support his faith.

In 2023, Harvey’s lifelong commitment to empowering others led him to establish the Uplifting Parents Program Fund through the Western South Dakota Catholic Foundation. This initiative helps single parents finish their college degrees and build stable careers. To ensure their success, the fund provides participants with monthly financial stipends, personal mentoring, and emergency support

Above all, Harvey was a family man and a person of deep faith. He traveled all over the country supporting his children in numerous different sports. No matter how busy he was, he always made time for family. His wife Joy, nearly died in 1995. Harv charged full speed ahead to take care of her. She was in a coma for nearly 30 days and was in the hospital for over a year. Harv’s faithfulness and commitment to his family and his community never wavered. He worked harder and longer to take care of the people and business he loved.

Harv was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Joy, and brothers Scott and Marty. He is survived by his children, Bart (Nicole) and Jamie (Mike); eight grandchildren; Levi(Maudie), Mesa, Lane, Mattie, Macy and Rian, Noah, Isaiah and one great-grandchild Stanley, with another expected in February. A devout Catholic, Harvey drew constant strength from his devotion to Jesus Christ and the Rosary.

Harvey’s legacy of service and passion for Spearfish will be felt for generations. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the BHSU Harvey Krautschun Scholarship Fund or The Uplifting Parents Program Fund through the Western South Dakota Catholic Foundation.

Visitation will be from 4-6 PM on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Spearfish. Vigil will follow at 6 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 9, 2026 at the church. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.  A reception will follow the burial at 3:00 PM at the Joy Center located on the Black Hills State University Campus.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com