Harry Valentine Parcheta

Harry Valentine Parcheta, age 88 of Spring Lake, MI, succumbed to cancer in the comfort of his own home and surrounded by family on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. He was born on July 6, 1933 in Ferrysburg, MI to the late Harry and Eve (Witkowski) Parcheta.

Harry attended school in Grand Haven, Michigan, and permanently resided in Spring Lake. He played football at school but excelled in track at Grand Haven High School, losing only four races in four years in his favorite event – the quarter mile. Harry’s efforts earned him an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Michigan. He decided college wasn't for him and came back to Grand Haven to work at Oldberg’s.

Harry was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. After serving his country as a radio operator, he came back home to Grand Haven. He met Janice Ogden (Slatter) through Oldberg’s and they were married on October 30, 1963. After brief stints working in Jackson Products as an inspection foreman, Anderson-Bolling, and Grand Rapids Plating as a quality control inspector, Harry went to work for North American Van Lines as a semi-truck owner/operator.  He worked there starting in 1969, retiring in 1995. He traveled to all 50 states (except Rhode Island & Hawaii) and earned million-miler status for safe driving.

Harry loved Michigan athletics – especially football. He attended Bethel Baptist Church in Fruitport for several decades. He was a proud member of the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post 28, and enjoyed bowling, boating, and “tinkering” with all things. His house pets were loved greatly by Harry, and considered equal members of the family.  Harry enjoyed photography, politics, and technology – learning how to use a computer at a later age. He also had a great sense of humor and loved to visit with friends and family. Harry is very loved by his family and will be missed greatly.

Harry is survived by his wife of 59 years, Janice; sons, Steve (Susan) Slatter, Randy (Shelia) Slatter, Chris (Joy) Parcheta; his daughter, Valerie (Marc) Blondin; and many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family. 

The Funeral Service for Harry will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, with Pastor Marshall Holtvluwer officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 15th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at Spring Lake Township Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Harbor Humane Society.

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