Harry Carl LaDronka, age 69 of Grand Haven, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at home. He was born on April 26, 1951 in Saginaw, MI to the late Harry and Vera (Peters) LaDronka.
Harry graduated from Arthur Hill High School, completed coursework at Saginaw Valley State University, the University of Findlay, and Delta College. He served his country in the US Navy from 1975 to 1981, at the end of the Vietnam War Era. Harry married Charlene Killips on June 30, 1983 in Fennville, MI.
Harry enjoyed working as an Employee Development Consultant in the areas of health, safety, and environmental instruction for Consumers Energy for 28 years before his retirement.
Harry was a former member of the American Legion Post 28 and VFW Post 2326, and he enjoyed cooking and spending time with his family; especially with his kids, grandkids, and his two faithful canine companions, Grizzly and Pippin. Harry was an avid sports fan who loved thoroughbred horse racing and was a devoted Detroit Lions and U of M fan.
Harry will be remembered and missed by his wife of 37 years, Charlene; his two sons, Jeremy (Christy) LaDronka of Norton Shores and Jamie (Rebecca) LaDronka of Lansing; five grandchildren: Samuel, Addison, Chelsea, Clara, and Imogen “Ginny”; mother-in-law, Charlene Johnson; brother, Mark LaDronka of Grand Haven; siblings-in-law, Frank (Lisa) Killips, Denise (Keith) Quick, Ruth (Chris) Straus, Ray (Punkin) Killips, Scott (Sarah) Killips; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Frank Killips; and sister-in-law, Lee Ann LaDronka.
We invite you to come and gather together to Celebrate Harry's colorful life on Saturday, November 13, 2021, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Grand Haven Community Center. Interment with full military honors will take place at 12:30 at Lake Forest Cemetery in Grand Haven.
Let us all remember him with laughter and share his passion for all things sports. Harry was a staunch University of Michigan, Detroit Lions, and Detroit Tigers fan and the wearer of all things tie-dye. We request that you wear tie-dye or your favorite sport team apparel while we share memories, swap stories, and celebrate the things that made him so special. The tears have fallen since Harry left us. Now is the time to smile and celebrate the life that he led and how he touched us all.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Noah Project.
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