Harvey Guy Ille, 81, of Blooming Prairie, died Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, at Prairie Manor Care Center, Blooming Prairie, Minn.

He was born Jan. 12, 1931, to Guy and Adeline (Betlach) Ille in Austin, Minn. He graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1948. After serving in the Korean Conflict as a pay clerk in the Air Force, Harvey was accepted at the University of Minnesota where he graduated in 1957. He married Patricia Ann Hutton on June 21, 1956 at Scotland Presbyterian Church in Harmony. They were married for 55 years. Harvey owned and operated several businesses over the years, including Ille Inc. and the Hardware Hank store in Blooming Prairie, which he ran with his brother, Bob. In 1975 he purchased Preston Equipment, a John Deere dealership, where he worked until his death. Harvey enjoyed traveling, talking, riding his bike on the Root River Trail and watching his grandchildren in their sports. He never forgot a name or a face.

Survivors include his wife, Pat of Blooming Prairie; two daughters, Sue Ille of Rochester and Angie (Jeff) Johnson of Eyota; one son, Steve (Holly) Ille of Blooming Prairie; one brother, Robert (Roberta) Ille of Wabasha; nine grandchildren, Jeremy (Melissa) Wallace, Mitch Wallace, Spencer Wallace, Ryan Jensen, Jake Bell, Blair Johnson, Alec and Isaac Ille, Ryan (Sarah) Srsen; three great-grandchildren, Celia and Jonah Wallace and Brody Srsen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Adeline Ille, daughter and son-in-law, Becky and Lyle Wallace, and grandson, Ross Johnson.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie with Pastor Heidi Heimgartner and Pastor Charles Leonard officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie, and one hour before the service at the church on Saturday. Military rites by American Legion Post 52 and VFW Post 878. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the Blooming Prairie Education Foundation or Fillmore County Fair. Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.