Harvey J. Chaloupka

Harvey Chaloupka, 78, passed away at his home in Makanda on September 1, 2026.

Born and raised in Berwyn, Illinois, a historic Bohemian suburb of Chicago, Harvey carried throughout his life a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, ideas, music, and the quiet beauty of the world around him. He was a private and independent man, thoughtful in his words and deliberate in his choices, guided by a strong inner sense of what was right.

Harvey’s lifelong fascination with architecture began early, inspired in part by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. He earned a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle and later received a two-year technical degree in Architectural Technology from Southern Illinois University. It was at SIU that his interests expanded to include the visionary work of R. Buckminster Fuller, geodesic design principles, and the relationship between philosophy and the built environment.

Seeking to gain direct experience as an architectural draftsman, Harvey contributed his skills to the design of commercial retail spaces and school buildings. Later he switched to Southern Illinois University working on campus building projects. He retired from SIU in 2010 after a 26-year career. At work, he was remembered as an exceptionally competent and meticulous draftsman with exquisite lettering.

Harvey loved working with his hands and could often be found restoring furniture or tinkering with his car. He was an avid reader, thoughtful poet and songwriter, and talented guitarist. His musical tastes ranged from The Ides of March, Led Zeppelin, The Carpenters to Simon and Garfunkel, with “Scarborough Fair” holding a special place in his heart.

He also took pleasure in life’s simple comforts: a good steak, Hershey’s Special dark chocolate, and a cold Coke.

Harvey’s convictions were deeply held and shaped the course of his life. During the Vietnam War, he was drafted but came to understand that he could not commit violence against another human being. He was granted Conscientious Objector status and received an honorable discharge. It was a decision consistent with the man he was—peaceful, sensitive, measured, insightful, honest, hardworking, and honorable. He lived a simple life and made choices according to his conscience.

Harvey was preceded in death by parents, Charles and Georgiana Chaloupka; sister and brother-in-law, Susan and George Valentine; and brother, Ernest Chaloupka.

He is survived by his nieces, Christine Larrabee (Bart), Jillian Van Hefty (Steve), and Amy Chaloupka-Cabrera (Eduardo); and his nephews, Michael Chaloupka (Anna) and Eric Chaloupka.

In keeping with Harvey’s private nature and his love of the natural world, a family memorial was held in the forest—a place where he felt most comfortable, most free, and most at home.

Be at peace, Uncle Harvey.

I’m goin’ where the wind blows
Gotta find my soul, some place to grow
I’m goin’ where the trees grow tall
Gotta find someone who can feel it all
Livin’ easy with the land—I got my horse, I got my band
Livin’ easy with the land

by Harvey Chaloupka

Ministry of Comfort entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murphysboro, Illinois.