April 27, 1925 — Feb. 7, 2016

Harry Sarabyn, 90, of Dowagiac passed away Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Harry was born April 27, 1925 in Dowagiac, Michigan to John and Kathryn (Kaniuga) Sarabyn.

He graduated from Dowagiac Central High in 1944. Harry joined the Army in October of 1945 and proudly served his country during World War II. After returning home from the war Harry enjoyed racing cars in 1949. Harry obtained his pilot’s license in 1951.

He married the love of his life, Ruth Knytych, on August 21, 1954 in Roseland, Indiana. Harry built masonry homes as a general contractor for several years. He was one of the founders of Jessco Inc. and retired from Jessco/Ameriwood in 1990.

He was a member of the Moose Lodge 933, the American Legion of Niles 0026 and a former member of the Dowagiac Elks. Harry was a hard worker whether it was building or farming. He was a great father and wonderful grandfather.

Harry was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth in 1997; brothers, Charles, Andrew and Steve; sisters, Mary Brechman, Edna Daresh and Anna Thornhill. Harry is survived by his children, Gary (Suzanne Gould) Sarabyn of Coloma, Michigan, Randy Sarabyn of Watervliet, Michigan, Kathy Sarabyn of Portage, Michigan and Karen (Mark) Reilly of Winter Garden, Florida; seven grandchildren, Gary II, Danielle, Brandon, Zack, Abby, Faith, Maddie and Michelle; five step-grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and one brother Stanley (Arlene) Sarabyn of Dowagiac.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016 at Clark Chapel & Cremation Services, 405 Center Street, Dowagiac, Michigan with Father Kevin Covert officiating. Friends may visit with the family before the service from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at Clark Chapel.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Talons Out Honor Flight, an organization serving our WWII veterans www.talonsouthonorflight.org. P.O. Box 280, Portage, Michigan. Those wishing to leave a memory or condolence of Harry online may do so at www.clarkch.com.