obituaries

In the small town of Amery, Wis., an old church is now a bustling cultural center where local artists display their works and musicians take lessons and give concerts. Nearby, a manufacturing firm has received federal funding to develop cheaper and cleaner electroplating. The town's hospital is new, and its former digs now house the Police Department, library and a food pantry. An expansion project is underway at the municipal airport.

Those efforts are largely the result of Harvey Stower, the town's affable longtime mayor, said Julie Riemenschneider, retired city administrator for Amery.

"He promoted the arts, and in these tough economic times, he kept Main Street alive," she said. "He was a visionary who could see things and make things work. He definitely left his mark."

Stower had a heart attack Sept. 25 at his Amery home and was recuperating at Regions Hospital in St. Paul when he suffered a second heart attack and died Tuesday. He was 65.

Born in Frederic, Wis., Stower grew up on a farm near Amery. He graduated from Amery High School and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. He studied at St. Andrews University in Scotland and earned a master's degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington in 1977. He was a member of the Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church and was a pastor at a church in Milwaukee. Stower also was a teacher and coach, those who knew him said.

The Democrat served on many committees during his eight years representing District 28 in the Wisconsin Legislature, including the Forest Productivity and Rural Development; Tourism, Recreation and Government Operations; and Family and Economic Assistance committees.

"It is truly a sad day for the people of Wisconsin," said Ann Hraychuck, the Democratic legislator now representing District 28.

"Harvey's compassionate leadership knew no boundaries; he had an extraordinary ability to bridge both the partisan and geographic divides. Harvey approached his public service with high moral and ethical standards, leaving a legacy that we all can strive to emulate."

Stower, who ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 1994, was elected Amery's mayor in 1996. In his 13 years, he obtained many grants for the city, some used for a new water tower, fire hall and hospital, Riemenschneider said.

For his strong supportive leadership for the development of arts at the local level and championing local artists throughout Wisconsin, Stower in 2001 received the Award for Excellence from the Robert Gard Wisconsin Idea Foundation, a nonprofit promoting the arts. His unwavering support of the arts helped land Amery in John Villani's book, "The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America."

Stower also was known for his hospitality and charisma, those who knew him said.

"Harvey exemplified dignity and class in his role as a political leader," Wisconsin Republican Sen. Sheila Harsdorf said. "He was sincere, and served as a role model for those interested in public service."

Stower is survived by two daughters, Katherine Stower of Minneapolis and Elizabeth Stower of Madison, Wis.; two sisters, Susan Bohn and Pat Anderson; and a grandson.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1050 Keller Av. N., Amery. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday and two hours before services at the church.