June Rosalie Harvey

June was a 1945 graduate of Fort Dodge High School. In 1947, she married Albert Harvey of Eagle Grove after falling for him at a dance each had attended with a different date. The couple initially settled in Fort Dodge, where they welcomed two children, Becky in 1948 and Danny in 1958. The family relocated to Des Moines for good in 1965.

In 1956, June graduated from Fort Dodge Junior College and embarked on a teaching career that in time would include public schools in Fort Dodge, Grimes, Des Moines, Saydel, and Johnston. She furthered her education at Drake University, graduating in 1963, and later supported the entire family while her husband furthered his own education and attended law school.

As a teacher, June brought humor, compassion, creativity, and an unyielding support for the underdog into her classroom. She engaged her students broadly, imparting not just knowledge of the curriculum, but also important life lessons, experiences in community service, and opportunities for all to shine. Along the way, she earned countless admirers and many, many dearly loved life-long friends for whom she never stopped caring, in whom she took great pride, and whose frequent calls, cards, and company gave her great joy.

June also maintained life-long friendships with her fellow Dodgers from the Class of ’45, and she took great pride in planning and organizing their reunions. She also took great pride in leading the graduation procession for the Bulldog Class of 2013 with fellow attendees of the 50th Class of 1963 reunion.

June will be remembered for her kindness, humor, enduring friendships, and engaging spirit. She was an exceptional cook who delighted in serving others both long-standing favorites and new — and often unexpected — dishes. Above all else, she cherished her family and her bond with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Sestina; son, Daniel (Jolene) Harvey; grandchildren, Erin (Pat) Loebach, Adam (Christine) Sestina, Emily Harvey, and Philip Harvey; great-grandchildren, Nichole Burene, Isabella Loebach, and Alex Loebach, Drake Sestina, Jameson Sestina and Adeline Sestina; great-great-grandchildren, Riley and Willow Burene; and nephews, Alan Sterns, David (Sonya) Sterns, and Dennis Sterns.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Pauline Becker; sisters, Lois Becker, Frances Becker, Doris Sterns, and Ann Marino; husband, Albert Harvey; parents-in-law, Albert E. and Ida Harvey; brothers-in-law, Robert Sterns and Tony Marino; sister-in-law, Jean Griffiths; and son-in-law, Lynn Sestina.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa. A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3223 University Ave. in Des Moines, Iowa. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines, Iowa.

The family wishes to express its appreciation for the care and companionship June received from the staff at Kennybrook Village.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Saydel Eagle Endowment.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.