Jeff Oviatt

Jeff Oviatt, 41, of Willmar, died Thursday, September 4 at Fairview Medical Center in Minneapolis. His celebration of life will be 11:00 am, Wednesday, September 10 at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar.

Philip Jeffery “Jeff” Oviatt was born on March 30, 1984, to Patrick and Cindy (Williamson) Oviatt in Spencer, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spencer and graduated from Spencer High School in 2002. He later attended Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg, Iowa, where he earned a certificate in small engine repair.

In high school, Jeff met the love of his life, Kristena “Tena” Huffman. They were married on September 5, 2009, at First English Lutheran Church in Spencer. Together they made their home in Northern Iowa welcoming their son Zachary in 2011, before making Willmar their permanent home in 2014. Becoming a father was Jeff’s greatest joy, and he was Zachary’s biggest fan—always present at games, cheering him on, and volunteering whenever he could.

Throughout his career, Jeff worked in kitchen management before finding his calling in maintenance. He served as Maintenance Coordinator at Prairie Lakes Youth Program, a role he deeply valued. Jeff spent countless hours researching properties and finding the best locations for the programs non secure kids. His most recent projects included Captain’s Academy and the newest location for the upcoming school. Jeff took pride in keeping the buildings safe and functional and always shared his vision for the program’s future growth and improvement.

Jeff had a passion for snowmobiling, cars, and drag racing, but nothing meant more to him than time spent with his family, especially supporting Zachary in his activities. He will be remembered as kindhearted, generous, and always willing to lend a hand. If it had a motor, Jeff could fix it.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Tena; son, Zachary; parents, Patrick and Cindy Oviatt of Spencer, IA; sister, Sara (Alex) Oviatt of Thornton, CO; grandfather, Robert Williamson; father and mother-in-law, Michael and Lynn Huffman of Spencer, IA; and sisters-in-law: Kerri Robinson, Kelsie Baccam, Kourtney Oviatt. He is also lovingly remembered by his many nieces and nephews: Leena, Ava, Isabella, Maddox, Dylan, Harper, Jayda, Emersyn, Myles, Baylie, Carver, and Breckyn.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Louella Williamson and Dwain and Phyllis Oviatt; brothers-in-law, Philip Oviatt and Andy Huffman; and sister-in-law, Katie Huffman.

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