Harvey Don Huiner

Harvey Don Huiner, retired professor of music at the University of Lynchburg, died unexpectedly on Saturday, February 16, 2019 in Lynchburg, VA. He was 81 years old. He and his wife, Marjorie, had returned from a two-week trip to the Desert Southwest just a few days earlier.

Born into a close-knit community of Dutch immigrants in the Chicago suburbs, his parents were the late Bernard P. Huiner and Edith Pastoor Huiner. Harvey was a member of the first graduating class of Timothy Christian Schools, which was formed by members of that community, including his parents. He was raised in a family of hymn singers and was encouraged in his musical pursuits. In addition to becoming a music educator, he became a church musician at the age of 16, retiring only recently. Like many members of his community, Harvey studied at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI where he earned his undergraduate degree in music. It was also there that he met Marjorie Kramer, his future wife. His children are awed by the close and loving relationship they had for almost 60 years.

Harvey earned a Masters in Organ Performance at Syracuse University. He taught music in junior high and high schools in Prospect Park, NJ and Kalamazoo, MI before entering the University of Iowa where he earned a PhD in Choral Literature. He joined the music faculty of Lynchburg College (now the University of Lynchburg) in 1975. In addition to teaching, he directed the college choir and was the college organist before retiring in 2002. He enjoyed staying in touch with many of his former students, the oldest of whom have started retiring themselves.

Harvey is survived by his wife, Marjorie Huiner; three children: Joan Ranzini (Joseph), David Huiner (Sherry), and Ellen Peterson; six grandchildren: Chris Huiner, Gayle Huiner, David Ranzini, Lexie Huiner, Gregory Ranzini, and Jim Huiner; and one great-grandson, Ayden Hill.  Harvey was preceded in death by a sister, Anne Vander Ziel (Albert). He is survived by two brothers, Peter Huiner (Tona) and Donald Huiner (the late Eileen) and a sister, Janice Venema (Thomas).

A funeral service is planned for 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 23 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynchburg, VA. A reception will follow this service. The family is also planning a memorial hymn-sing on March 23 at Holy Trinity. The family is inviting anyone who knew him or who shares a love of church music to attend and participate in this service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial gift to the Friends of Music Fund or the Organ Fund at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Lynchburg.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family. To send condolences, please visit obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.