George Harvey Coons, aka "Harvey"

September 4, 1921 – March 18, 2021

On Thursday, March 18th, 2021, George Harvey Coons, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great great grandfather passed away, while surrounded by family, at the age of 99.

George, also known as Harvey, was born on September 4th, 1921 in Bowbells, North Dakota to Stanley and Emma Coons.  At the age of 21 he entered into the Service and 3 years later, after serving as a water supply man in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations during WWII, he was honorably discharged.  He was awarded a variety of decorations and citations for his time in the service including: the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, the Bronze Service Arrowhead, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Medal with 2 Bronze service stars.  In 1950, 5 years after leaving the service he married Maxine Fountain and they settled in Anoka, Minnesota.

Harvey had a passion for farming, so in 1956 he purchased 284 acres just north of Anoka, that was later known as The Coons Farm.  He spent the majority of his working years at Cornelius, where he retired at the age of 63.  Harvey was known for being an avid reader, he spent his days reading the Bible.  In 1976, he started River of Life Church with Maxine and a group of friends.  He had a sweet tooth and loved all of Maxine's baking.  If you ask any of his grandkids they would tell you that he always had a pocket full of tootsie rolls.  He spent what free time he had outdoors and passed his love for fishing to all of his children.

Harvey is preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Emma; siblings Virginia, Wally, Sue, Elise, Herb; daughter Sheryl Anne; and Great Grandson Cameron.

He is survived by his beautiful wife of 70 years, Maxine; his sister Lois; children Debbie (Dennis), Robert (Penelope), Russell (Sandee), Perry (Penny), Troy (Jerilyn); Grandchildren Chris (Annette), Bill (Tammy), Ryan, Carrie (Chad), Eric (Melissa), Shawn, Matt (Desi), Jake (Bridget), Sarah, Rachel (Nick), Becky, Christine (Juren), Patrick (Ti), Josh (Ginny), Justina (Jay), Angela (Matt), Natasha (David), Austin, Samantha, Grace; Great Grandchildren Kaleb, Nick, Kailey, Kristi, Emma, Kyle, Autumn, Ella, Copper, Lily, Thor, Tarek, Hailee, Avery, Chace, Rhiannon, Tate, Weston, MaKenzie, Parker, Charlette, Lindsay, Ashton, Joel, Venessa, Caryl, William, George, Joshua, Zachery, Gabriella, Camden, Brooklyn, Dakota, Marlee; and Great Great Grandchildren Easton and Rivers.

A celebration of life will take place 11 AM Friday (3/26/2021) at the St. Francis United Methodist Church, 3914 - 229th Avenue NW, St. Francis, MN Visitation will be 1 hour prior to service.  Interment West Oak Grove Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home - Anoka, MN - 763-421-0220