Harvey G Burley

Harvey Gene Burley of Mayville, North Dakota, peacefully passed away on Friday, April 10th, surrounded by his loving family.

Harvey and his twin brother, Harold, were welcomed to the world on December 22, 1937, to parents Lucille and Chester Burley, in Fargo, ND. He attended Mayville High School where he enjoyed playing in the band and participating in sports, graduating in 1955, and continued his education at Concordia College.

In 1957, Harvey married the love of his life, Marilyn Rose Marie Schjeldahl, in Moorhead, Minnesota and together they built a home filled with love and laughter. In short order, they welcomed five children, Dalene, Danette, Kim, Jay, and Jacquelyn.

A man of remarkable talent, determination, and perseverance, Harvey spent twenty years farming before turning to carpentry, where his true craftsmanship shined. Known as a “jack of all trades,” he had the rare ability to create something from nothing—whether building homes from the ground up or crafting a log cabin with his own hands.

Harvey’s commitment to his community was just as strong as his dedication to his craft. While living in Blanchard, he served on the township board and contributed to several committees in Mayville, always willing to lend his time and talents to make his community better. His faith was also an important part of his life, as he was an active member of Mayville Lutheran Church, serving wherever he was needed.

As a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge, beginning in 1974, and an enthusiastic participant in the Keystone Cops, he delighted in parades and celebrations, spreading laughter wherever he went. Among his proudest contributions was helping establish the Goose River Masonic Scholarship Award, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Harvey loved both playing and watching the games he cherished. He was a loyal supporter of local high school and college teams and rarely missed a chance to cheer on the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins.

Harvey had a warm, playful spirit and a gift for bringing smiles to others through his stories, smiles, mischievous winks, and a perfectly timed side-eye. He found great joy in life’s simple pleasures—woodworking, fishing, hunting, playing cards, and shooting pool—but nothing meant more to him than time spent with family.

Harvey’s legacy lives on through his family: his daughters Dalene Burley of Fargo, ND; Danette (Cliff) Perkins of Colorado Springs, CO; Kim (Alton) Terkorn of Springfield, VA; and Jacquelyn (Gary) Ness of Fargo, ND; as well as his ten grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward his spirit of resilience, generosity, and love. He is also survived by his sister, Alice Morrison of Fargo, ND. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn; his son, Jay; his parents; and his twin brother, Harold.

Harvey was truly one of a kind and will be dearly missed by his family and community. So long, farewell, aufetersain, goodbye.

Visitation: Will be 5–7 PM on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 with a 6:30 PM Masonic Service by the Goose River Lodge #19 at the Baker Funeral Home Chapel in Mayville, ND and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral Service: Will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, April 16, 2026 at the Mayville Lutheran Church in Mayville, ND, with a light luncheon to follow.

Burial: Will be in Mayville Cemetery in Mayville, ND.