David E. Harwick

David E. Harwick, 85, of Galena, IL, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025, at his home. A funeral service will be held at Noon on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena, where friends may gather starting at 10 AM until the time of the service. The burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Galena. He was born on October 27, 1939, in Shullsburg, WI, to Elmer and Gladys (Palfrey) Harwick. Dave attended the old Central School in Galena and Galena High School. On November 25, 1956, he married Audrey Jean Harwick in Dubuque, IA; she preceded him in death on October 26, 2005. Dave worked for American Zinc and Clinton Engines before retiring in 2000 from John Deere, where he was employed in Des Moines, Silvis, and Dubuque. He enjoyed ice fishing, ginseng hunting, trapping, and lawn care, and was known for his ability to fix just about anything. He was a hard worker and loved to watch the hummingbirds. As a proud grandfather, he cherished visits from his grandchildren, and all admired his sense of humor. We are proud of our strong-willed grandfather, who fought long and hard. May he rest in peace. He is survived by one son, Steven M. (Nora) Harwick; grandchildren Angelyn (Matt) Myers, Kurtis Harwick, Taralyn (Jimmie) Patterson, Jamie (Miranda) Harwick, Sarah (Mark) Nielsen, Laura Gates and Jordan Harwick; great-grandchildren Madalyn, Kristin, Lauren, Addyson, Brynnlyn, and Matthew Jr. Myers; Dakari Patterson; Rebecca, Jonathan, Kailyn, Nicholas, and Zoe Harwick; Audra Nielsen; and Tayden (Ashley), Carter, Cooper, Graham, and Foster Gates. He also has one great-great-grandchild, Luna Gates, and one great-grandchild on the way. Additional survivors include a daughter-in-law, Rissi Harwick; a half-sister, Karen Hughes; and a special friend, Patty Cravatta. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a son, David W. Harwick, a half-brother, John Phillips, and a half-sister, Ida Mae Phillips-Norton. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the East team of Hospice of Dubuque, In-Home Care Connection, the doctors and nurses at the Midwest Medical Center, and the Wendt Regional Cancer Center. The compassion shown by his caretakers and neighbors—Chris, Ed, Cindy, Gaylon, John, and Annette—will never be forgotten. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Dubuque in Dave’s memory.