Harry James Hvezda

Harry James Hvezda, 72, of Rice Lake, MN died on Monday, February 23, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Rice Lake Community Center in Rice Lake, Minnesota. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. A wake will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2026 starting at 6:00 p.m. Interment will be held at the St. Phillips Episcopal Cemetery at a later date. The Cease Family Funeral Home of Bagley assisted the family with arrangements.

Harry James Hvezda, born on July 13, 1953, to Leslie and Veronica (Cloud) Hvezda, was a man whose laughter, generosity, and love for family touched an entire community.

Harry had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, leeching, and ricing-activities that connected him not only to nature but to his heritage and community. He also loved sports, playing both softball and basketball, where his competitive spirit and sense of humor always shined through.

He was known as a huge jokester, his laughter was contagious, and Harry was rarely without a smile or a punchline. He had a nickname for everyone he met and was a gifted storyteller, captivating friends and family with tales that were often as funny as they were unforgettable.

Above all else, Harry was a family man. He loved his grandchildren deeply-so much so that they could get him to do just about anything. His home was always open. If someone needed a place to stay, Harry welcomed them. If someone was hungry, he fed them. The village children were frequent visitors, stopping by for snacks, popsicles, and juice, always greeted with warmth and generosity.

Harry was deeply loved by his community, and his presence will be greatly missed. Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing he is finally reunited with the love of his life, Ramona Stevens.

A huge thank you goes out to the community for all of the support and love they shared with Harry's family and kids.

Harry is survived by his children, Ryan (Liz) Stevens, Jeremy Neeland, Melissa Stevens, Harry (LaRae) Stevens, April Hvezda, and Leslie (William) Hvezda; 14 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; special niece, Lavina; siblings, Karen, Delmer, Chuck, Leah, Mark, Nolan, and Judy; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by the love of his life, Ramona Stevens; parents, Leslie and Veronica (Cloud) Hvezda; brother, Harlan; and many nieces and nephews.

Messages of condolence may be sent to ceasefuneralhome.com