Raymond Donald Harz

Raymond Donald Harz, age 86, of Grand Haven, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at a local care facility. He was born on September 29, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Raymond Joseph and Lorraine (Kunstler) Harz.

Ray graduated from Grand Haven High School Class of 1957, and shortly after, headed for the West Coast, settling in Seattle, WA, where he began working as a repair salesman for Ramuta's Shoe & Handbag Repair. Ray returned to Grand Haven in 1964 and met Sandy Holmen and they were married on July 9, 1965, in Grand Haven. She preceded him in death on September 22, 2022, after 57 years of marriage.

Ray worked in various positions in nursery and landscaping, as well as restaurant and insurance management. He was a former operator and manager of Ray's Drive-In in Grand Haven taking over from his father and later founded Riverview Nursery & Landscaping. He also served as a court officer and process server for Ottawa County in the civil division for 16 years, and as bailiff in Hudsonville District Court. Ray was also a self-employed courier for Intra City Dispatch and became the owner of RDH & Associates doing freight expediting.

Ray was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Grand Haven for many years and was also a former Deacon at First Reformed Church. He was very involved in his community, serving as charter member and volunteer of the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Committee for 25 years, and member of the Grand Haven Lions Club for over 50 years, where he served on various committees and all the officer chairs, including President six times. Ray also served as Advisory Committee Member of Harbor Transit Grand Haven, and served as Region and Zone Chairman of Region I, as well as: ABVI Board Member and Committee Chairman, Welcome Homes Committee Chairman, Vice District Governor (2005 - 2006), District Governor (2006 - 2007), and Lions Club of Michigan Foundation Trustee from 2008 to 2010 and again in 2011 to 2013. He received many awards, including Club Lion of the Decade (1992 - 2002), District Lion of the Year (1995 - 1996), and was also the Melvin Jones Fellow Progressive Award recipient.

Ray was a loving and caring man who loved his family, his friends, and his community, and had a huge heart for animals, especially dogs. He was an avid Cubs fan and former longtime member at Grand Haven Golf Course. Ray will be lovingly remembered and missed by so many who knew him.

Ray's is survived by one son, Tad (Kim) Harz; three beloved grandchildren: Bradley, Lydia, and Maxwell Harz; two sisters, Joanne (Jerry) Stack of Grand Haven and Patricia Bodell of Portland, OR; four brothers: Jim Harz of the U.P., Dave and Dan Harz of Grand Haven, and Mike Harz of Florida. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy; his sister, Barb; and brother, Tom Harz (2020).

The Memorial Service for Ray will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home with Rev. Kristine Aragon Bruce officiating. Visitation will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at the funeral home. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Harbor Humane Society.
 

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