Harvey Henry Lundershausen, 74, of Auburn, California, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2017, at his home, surrounded by his beloved wife and family after an unexpected complication from surgery.
He was born July 5, 1943, in Burney, Calif., to Harry and Isabel Lundershausen, and was a graduate of Ukiah High School, Class of 1961. In his early years, throughout the 60s, Harvey worked for the State of California Department of Forestry fighting fires in California. In 1972, he moved to Wyoming and worked as an equipment operator for MK Corp.
On February 14, 1976, he married Inger Sears in the Methodist Church in Kemmerer. Together they made their home in Kemmerer and started a construction business, Opal Construction, Inc. which in 1993, became Continental Golf Inc. Their business took them to Maui, Hawaii, in 1990; to Portland, Ore., in 1993 and then on to St George, Utah, and eventually, with the building of The Ridge Golf Course in 1996 and their love of Auburn’s wonderful people and weather, they settled down to make Auburn, Calif., their home.
Harvey was a calm and tender-hearted man who made everyone feel worthy and special with his laughter. He was devoted to his family, friends, and employees, who describe him as a man of many skills, everyone’s friend, and always willing to give a helping hand. Many thought of him as a great mentor, especially those who worked for him. They recall he had a tremendously good sense of humor, every project he did was a fun experience for all, and he loved his home, always inviting anyone he knew or met to come over.
Over the course of his career, he was well respected for his ability and expertise to build, modernize and update many golf courses. He loved aviation and took great pride in the ownership of his own aircraft. He was a skilled gunsmith and loved gun shows. At one time he owned his own winery, and loved his ever-evolving wine cellar. He had a flare for unusual cars and loved a good car show. He was an avid hunter and he liked to camp and fish, especially in Wyoming. Beyond all else, he loved his two dogs Zoey and Chloe, and all the other dogs he had during his lifetime.
He was a member of the Tahoe Club of Auburn, Calif., the Auburn Elks Lodge #1691; the Golf Course Builders of America; the NRA (National Rifle Association); the AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association); GCSAA (the Northern California Golf Superintendents Association of America).
Harvey is survived by his wife, partner, and soulmate of over 42 years, Inger Lundershausen of Auburn, Calif., his mother Isabel Lundershausen, 99, of Ukiah, Calif., one sister, Diane Chase of Napa, Calif., two children, Matthew Lundershausen of Comanche, Texas, and Jill (Chad) Handy of Willits, Calif., three granddaughters, Aspen and Heather of Sacramento, Calif., and Sarah Handy of Willits, Calif., as well as many beloved nieces and nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.
Harvey is preceded in death by his father, Harry, and one sister, Linda.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to any Animal Rescue of your choice in Harvey’s name. A Guest Registry is available on Lassila Funeral Chapel website (www.lassilafuneralchapels.com) for those who wish to share a memory or offer a word of sympathy to the family.
A special thank you to all of Harvey’s family, friends and neighbors for your beautiful prayers, encouragement, and unending love through this difficult time.
Visitation and services were held, Thursday July 13, 2017, at Lassila Funeral Chapel in Auburn, Calif., with a reception and a Celebration of Life for Harvey that followed at the Auburn County Club, Auburn, Calif.
