Roy A. Harr

When reflecting on the life of Roy Harr, words such as steadfast, hardworking, and generous are the attributtes that are continuously interwoven throughout his tapestry in time. With an unwavering faith as his constant companion, he skillfully traveled the path that lay before him, counting both the great joys and the deep sorrows as part of the Lord’s perfect plan for his life. With the love of his life by his side for nearly 50 years, Roy accomplished so much of which to be proud, yet there was nothing that made him swell with pride like the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who make up his family legacy. The memories he leaves behind will be a lasting treasure in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.

The 1920s were a great time to be an American as innovation fueled changes that were taking us places we had never been. Motion pictures became available in both color and sound while inventions such as the washing machine and refrigerator forever transformed the way we lived our everyday lives. Nestled within this vibrant time was the year 1925 that brought great joy to one young family from Fowler, Michigan, as they were blessed with the birth of a healthy baby boy on June 9th. Roy A. was the third of five children born to his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Schmitt) Harr, and was raised in the family home alongside his siblings, Mary Jane, Genevieve, Romilda, and Donald. Roy’s father worked as a farmer while his mother focused her attention on her home and family.

Tragedy struck early in Roy’s life with the death of his father when Roy was just seven years old. As the oldest boy, he became very disciplined when added responsibilities were handed down to him. The family was devastated to lose the farm a short time after his father’s death, but Roy worked hard in order to fulfill his duties. His childhood seemed to disappear in a flash, but as someone who took responsibility seriously Roy easily sacrificed many typical “kid” experiences to help care for his family. He never had the opportunity to play sports because he was always working, but he was a Boy Scout. Any free time Roy had was spent with family and friends. For many years Roy had a newspaper route, but at the age of 15 he was hired at Dieters Jewelry in Fowler where he remained for 11 years. The Catholic faith always played a vital role in his life, and he was a lifelong member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. As a student he attended local schools including Fowler High.

It was while he was in high school that Roy met the woman with whom he would share the best years of his life. Her name was Arlene Thelen, and the couple dated for a couple of years, frequently attending dances in towns. With a desire to spend his life with his sweetheart Roy proposed to Arlene, and she gladly accepted. The couple was married on June 26, 1950. Together they were blessed with four children, Alan, Elaine, LuAnn, and Roger. Roy’s family was always his first priority, and he was especially focused on making sure his children had what he didn’t have during his childhood. He made sure he tucked his children into bed each night and always left them with a list of chores, instilling within them the same work ethic he so fully embraced.

Roy enjoyed a rewarding career in the jewelry business. In 1953 he purchased Rand’s Jewelry in St. Johns, soon changing the name to Harr’s Jewelry. Roy was a well respected businessman in the community he called home for the majority of his life.

Throughout his life Roy focused his time and attention on what mattered to him most. Memorable trips were taken with his family while his children were growing up with most of their trips taking them to various places in Michigan. Roy also loved cookouts in the backyard with family. Spending time with his extended family was also important to him, and he was especially well liked by his nieces and nephews. Not only was he a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, but he was also a member of Holy Name Society, Ushers Club, and a charter and honorary member of the Knights of Columbus. With his outgoing personality, Roy loved stopping to talk to people in town. When at home Roy enjoyed working in his yard as a means to unwind a bit, and he was also a certified horologist.

Later in life Roy continued to experience both peaks and valleys along his life’s journey. He was thrilled to welcome grandchildren into the mix, and being a grandfather seemed to loosen him up a bit as well. In 2000 Roy was deeply saddened with the death of his wife after 49 years of marriage. During the days, weeks, and months that followed her death he drew strength from his faith and his family.

Through the life of Roy Harr we are reminded that true happiness is not found in pursuing wealth according to the world’s measure, but that it is in loving the Lord and those around us that we are richly blessed. He was a man of sound principle and genuine character who believed in things like working hard, taking care of what you’ve been given, and being content in all things. Roy was kindhearted and generous, the sort of man who put the needs and desires of those around him ahead of his own with ease. A blessing in every way, Roy will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

Roy A. Harr died on Saturday, June 16, 2012. Roy’s family includes his children, Alan (Mary Lou) Harr of St. Johns, Elaine (Steve) Kramer of Fowler, LuAnn (Joseph) Bodarko, of Fowler and Roger Harr of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Jane Thelen; and sisters-in-law Marian Halfman, Lucille Fox, Eileen Thelen and Betty Thelen. Roy was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene; sisters, Genevieve Thelen and Sister Romilda Harr; and brother, Donald Harr.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Fr. Dennis Howard presiding. Burial will follow at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Goerge Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, 11112 W. Ionia St, Fowler, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Monday with a Rosary being prayed Monday at 3 p.m. and a Vigil Service at 8 p.m. Memorials made be made in Roy’s memory to Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. To learn more about Roy and view his life Story Film, please visit his personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/81216. The family was served by The Osgood Funeral Homes