Harvey Alan Pyle

CASA GRANDE - Harvey Alan Pyle, 70, of Casa Grande died on Feb. 28, 2019, at his home under the care of Hospice Family Care.

Mr. Pyle was born on March 11, 1948, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Harvey Aldrigh and Betty Jean Pyle. At age 5 his family moved to Bensenville, Illinois. A short time later they settled in Franklin Park, Illinois, where he graduated from East Leyden High School in 1966. He enlisted in the Air Force, studied Minuteman Missile targeting and alignment and was stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base near Great Falls, Montana. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to North Dakota and married Marlyce McIntyre on June 13, 1970, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Casselton.

After he attended the University of North Dakota, they moved to the family farm west of Casselton in 1971, where he started his farming career, graduated from Moorhead Technical College in diesel mechanics and helped raise their two children. In 2004 they moved to Fargo to allow the next generation to live on the farm. He remained active in the farm business until his retirement in 2016. He and Marlyce moved permanently to Casa Grande in 2017.

He loved his family immensely, especially enjoying his grandchildren’s ball games, concerts and recitals. He was completely devoted to Marlyce, who made a great life for him. He served on many committees, organizations and boards; Gold Country Seed and Golden Growers Cooperative boards were the most challenging and fulfilling for him. His passion was skeet shooting, and in July 2017 he was inducted into the North Dakota Skeet Shooting Hall of Fame. He also enjoyed music, science, bowling and hiking. He and Marlyce enjoyed following University of North Dakota hockey, traveling to national parks, and playing cards and games with family and friends.

He had a restless mind and body, and if he wasn’t maintaining or improving something around the yard, then he was working on a sudoku puzzle or explaining how something works to someone needing help. He was unfalteringly sweet, responsible, ethical and capable. His positive attitude was ever present; the day the doctor informed him he had cancer he remarked, "Well, at least now I know why my back hurts. I’ve had 70 wonderful years and I enjoyed what I did every day." He was known for his good humor, quick smile, boundless energy and selfless commitment to improving everything around him.

Survivors include his wife; a daughter and son, Jennifer Pyle and Nick Pyle; his mother; four siblings, Doris Heroff, Lester Pyle, Diane Pyle and Ernie Pyle; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father.

At Mr. Pyle's request, no service will be held. Private burial later.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel in charge of arrangements.