Harvey Mitschke

Harvey Eugene Mitschke was called home by his Heavenly Father on January 12, 2026, peacefully passing in the presence of his loving children and reuniting with his beloved wife, Barbara Eileen Adamcik Mitschke. 

Born on March 29, 1947, in Smithville, Texas, to Robert Alvin Mitschke and Mary Lena (Noack) Mitschke, Harvey grew up immersed in a close-knit family, surrounded by numerous cousins and grandparents. He formed a lifelong bond with his best friend of 70 years, George Schaefer, with whom he shared countless adventures. 

After graduating from LaGrange High School in 1965, Harvey attended Blinn College as salutatorian before transferring to the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with honors in 1969. A member of Tau Beta Pi, he was also the proud recipient of the Hamilton Watch Company Award. During this time, Harvey's love story with Barbara began in September 1965, when he and George spotted her in her yard and George threw the car in reverse to introduce themselves. Their connection was immediate, though Barbara fondly recalled first noticing Harvey at a Walther League Rally at Grace Lutheran Church earlier that May-despite him being unavailable at the time. Their relationship blossomed, leading to a proposal on January 27, 1968, at Lady Bird Hill Park, and marriage on May 30, 1969, at Grace Lutheran Church in Smithville. The couple moved to Stafford, Texas, that September, marking the start of their shared life together until Barbara's passing in 2024.

Harvey launched his distinguished career at Fluor Corporation, where he worked for 17 years, primarily on oil and gas-related projects. In 1986, the family relocated to Austin, and Harvey joined Camp, Dresser & McKee (now CDM Smith), shifting his focus to civil engineering projects such as water and wastewater treatment facilities. He often joked that he transitioned from "polluting" in his early work to "cleaning up" in his later career. A licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Texas for over 50 years, he continued as an exceptional civil engineer until his retirement in 2024.

Harvey and Barbara welcomed their son, Stephen Benjamin Mitschke, in 1972, followed by their daughter, Kimberly Marie Mitschke, in 1975. The family cherished time at "H and B Country," their 32-acre retreat near Muldoon, Texas, where they built a modest home on the banks of a private pond. It became a haven for weekend visits with extended family and a playground for the children. When he wasn't fishing, Harvey could be seen on top of a tractor mowing paths from the road to the house.

A devoted University of Texas fan who bled burnt orange, Harvey held season football tickets alongside George and was a lifetime member of the Texas Exes. He treasured annual family vacations with his children and grandchildren, acquiring timeshares spacious enough to accommodate everyone-and often extra friends and relatives.

Harvey is survived by his children, Stephen (Amy) Mitschke and Kimberly (Eric) Baggerman; his grandchildren, Daniel Baggerman, Phillip Baggerman, Kevin Mitschke, Lauren Mitschke, and Claire Mitschke; and his dear friend, George (Nina Dixon) Schaefer. He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Barbara; his sister, Lillian "Louise" Stuenkel; his grandson, Adam Lee Baggerman; and his nephew, Jeffrey Stuenkel.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Marrs Jones Funeral Home in Smithville, Texas. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with burial at Oak Hill Cemetery in Smithville.