Floyd "Butch" Harves

Floyd Vincent “Butch” Harves, 78, passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester MN on January 26, 2026. A private family service will be held. The family looks forward to gathering with friends at a Celebration of Life on May 16 from 2:00 to 4:00 at Green Lea Golf Course in Albert Lea.

Butch was born to Floyd and Margaret (Ledwein) Harves on November 20, 1947 in Mankato, Minnesota. He moved to Albert Lea when he was a year old and spent the rest of his life there. Butch graduated a proud “Tiger” from Albert Lea High School in 1966 and then graduated from Mankato State College. On December 16, 1967, he married Jill Effle. He worked for his father at the Coca Cola Bottling Company in Albert Lea and Mankato while in high school and college. From 1968 to 1982, he worked as Operations Manager at Streater Industries. This led him to the Albert Lea Technical College where he was the Microcomputer Instructor from 1982-1996. In 1996, he became the Director of Technology for the Albert Lea School District where he worked until he retired in 2010.

Butch always enjoyed participating in sports, playing football and golf in high school and football at Mankato State College. After college, he played softball, hockey and golf which became his passion often playing 27 holes a day when he retired. He was very proud of his four holes-in-one. Through his years of golfing, he made many lasting friendships.

He was a member of St. Theodore Catholic Church and was very involved in his community through the Jaycees, coaching youth hockey, serving on several boards and most recently volunteering at the United Way Welcome Pantry which became a passion of his. This was a perfect fit with his desire to serve others in a dignified and respectful manner.

Family was very important to him and he instilled this into his children. This was never more visible than during his time in the hospital when he was surrounded by all of his family. He was proud of his girls and their families. He loved following his grandchildren in their activities-always supporting and encouraging them.

Butch is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jill, his daughters Michelle (Jeff) Starr, Jennifer Harves, and Aimee (Matt) Peterson, his brothers Rick (Shelly) Harves and Dan (Carol Ann) Harves and grandchildren Anna Starr, Andrew Peterson, Austin Peterson, Jack Starr and Kate Peterson. Butch is also survived by his chosen family, Heather Oleszak, Calen Hoelscher, Shalin Hendrickson (Alan) and family. He was preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Margaret Harves, parents-in-laws Clet and Margie Effle, sister Sharon Stanek, and brothers Patrick Harves and Duane Harves.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Oncology and IV Infusion Therapy teams in Albert Lea who walked with him on his journey as well as the medical teams at Methodist and St. Mary’s Hospitals in Rochester who cared for him with kindness and compassion. Also, we appreciate our friends who have provided us with laughs, love and support.