Robert Harig

Bob Harig was devoted to his family. Nothing brought him more pleasure than spending time with his children and grandchildren. Hardworking and dependable, friends and family could always count on Bob to be there when help was needed. He exemplified the true definition of a “family man.”

Ithaca, Michigan is a small, picturesque community, surrounded by beautiful farms. Located north of Lansing, Ithaca is the county seat for Gratiot County, and a good place to raise a family. Clarence and Merita (Hass) Harig were living on one of the farms near Ithaca with their son, Maynard. On March 24, 1937 the family excitedly greeted the newest member, Robert. Maynard and Robert "Bob," were later joined by a third brother, Jimmy and the Harig household was busy with the sounds and activities of three growing boys.

Bob spent his early school years at a one-room schoolhouse in the Ithaca area. Clarence and Merita then moved their family to Grand Rapids, where Bob attended and graduated from Union High School. Clarence supported his family installing floor coverings and after graduation, Bob went to work with his dad. Wanting to fulfill a commitment to serve his country, Bob also joined the Marine Reserves for a while. In the middle to late 1950's, Bob had been dating a young lady, while Joanne May was dating a young man. Somehow Bob and Joanne made each other’s acquaintance and the “others” faded into the distance. On April 4, 1959, Bob and Joanne pledged their everlasting love for each other at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Grand Rapids. Devoted to each other, their love continued to grow for the next 40 years, until Joanne’s passing in December of 1999.

By the early 1960's, Bob was working for General Motors, a position he held for the next 30 years, and he and Joanne had started a family of their own. Blessed with 4 beautiful children, the new Harig family home rang with the laughter of Pamela, Jeffrey, Todd and Amy. Bob loved spending time with family and friends. He and Joanne often took the whole family camping. Joanne was the “social” one in the family, and she and Bob often opened their home, having parties and entertaining friends and family. Both had many friends from their high school days and Bob had many friends from work, so parties were always lively and well attended.

Bob’s children made him a grandfather 11 times and each new birth was a day to be celebrated. Sleepovers at Grandma and Grandpa’s was a special treat, one each grandchild eagerly looked forward to. Both Bob and Joanne took great pleasure in spending time with the grandchildren, and after Joanne’s death, Bob found solace and comfort in their presence.

A big Michigan sports fan, Bob enjoyed following the exploits of the Detroit Lions football team, any Michigan State team, and watching Jimmy Johnson race NASCAR. He also liked to go bowling with friends.

But as busy as Bob might have been, he always found time for family. With his parents still living, they could depend on their son Bob to make sure all their needs were met. Bob liked to stay busy but would drop whatever he was doing to help someone else.

Robert "Bob" Allen Harig, aged 68, of Wyoming, passed away March 26, 2005. He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Joanne Harig. Bob is survived by his parents, Clarence and Merita Harig; children Pamela (Greg) Elliott; Jeffrey (Patricia) Harig, Todd (Enilda) Harig, Amy (Martin) McNamara; grandchildren Matthew, Danielle, Hayley, and Hannah Elliott, Zachary Knowles, Jalen Harig, Brittany Harig (Jason Baas), Shelby and Hunter Harig, Brooke and Clayton McNamara; brothers Maynard (Joanne) Harig, Jimmy Harig; brothers and sisters-in-law Jerry May, Ken May, Tom (Marsha) May, Marge Spencer; several nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to meet with Bob’s family on Tuesday, March 29 from 2-4 PM and 6-9 PM at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, with the Rosary prayed at 6:30PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11 AM at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 4101 Clyde Park SW. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to read Bob’s life story. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Michigan or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

A hardworking family man, Bob Harig left his family with many happy memories, memories that will give them comfort and hope. He will be greatly missed.