By Staff
STEPHENSON – Harry R. Houseman, 77, of Stephenson, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008, at home, following a short illness.
Harry was born Sept. 26, 1930, to the late Harry H. and Frances (Sorenson) Houseman in Kalamazoo.
Following his graduation from Decatur High School, Harry married the former M. Joan Gribler in South Bend, Ind., on April 28, 1952.
Harry proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy from 1950-1954 aboard aircraft carriers during the Korean conflict.
Harry joined the Michigan State Police in 1956, with assignments to East Lansing, Newberry, White Pigeon and Stephenson posts, retiring as a sergeant in 1984.
He also raised beef cattle and farmed.
Harry was a member of Bethlehem Covenant Church, Stephenson Lion's Club, MSP Command Officers, MSPTA and served for 50 years in the American Legion.
Harry loved to hunt and fish.
He enjoyed children and "all of God's creatures."
Harry is survived by: his wife Joan of Stephenson; two sons, Douglas (Ann Marie O'connel) Houseman of Plymouth, Mich., and David (Laurie) Houseman of Traverse City; grandsons, Christopher, Matthew, James, Robert and Patrick; brother, Jim (Laurie) Houseman of Kalamazoo; sister, Marian Shelhammer of Lowell Ind.; and sister-in-law Charlotte Houseman of Niles.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister, brother Paul and brother-in-law Robert.
Visitation will be at the Anderson Diehm Funeral Home, Stephenson, on Friday, Aug. 22, after 4 p.m. with military rites at 7 p.m. followed by a prayer service.
Visitation will continue at Bethlehem Covenant Church, Stephenson, on Saturday, Aug. 23, at 10 a.m. until service time at 11.
The Rev. Andrew Stonina will officiate, with graveside service and burial on Monday, Aug. 25, at 1 pm at Lakeside Cemetery, Decatur.
A memorial fund has been established in Harry's name.