Arthur T. Harnish, age 95, died Monday, May 14.
He was born in 1922 in Byron Center, grew up in Moline and graduated from Wayland High School in 1940 before his family moved to Dorr. Arthur served his country during World War II in the US Army Corps of Engineers for a total of 29 months and 13 days in seven different countries in the European theatre.
He worked as a welder in Allegan at “Blood Brothers,” later Rockwell International, retiring after 42 years of service. He was an active member of the American Welding Society.
After early retirement at age 58, he was a self-employed welder. He designed and built reels for welding and repaired universal joints. In his later years, he enjoyed restoring antique tractors, gas engines, and other farm machinery.
He is survived by his very dear friend, Ruth Pawloski; children, Luke (Cheryl) Harnish, Theresa (James) Loomis, Claudia (Rodney) Cheyne, Laura (Jake) Rewa, Peter (Trisha) Harnish, Eric (Michelle) Harnish, Linda Harnish; 20 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Lucille Arndt and Noreen Miklusicak; brother, Louis (Annabelle) Harnish; and many extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Genevieve “Genie” (Pawloski) Harnish, parents, Joseph and Adeline (Homrich); sister, Marian Schumaker; and son, David Harnish.
Visitation with the family will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 17, at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Services, 4330 18th St, Dorr with a Rosary beginning at 3:30. Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 18, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 1871 136th Ave, Dorr. Father Christopher Derda will be officiating. Interment will be at St Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Arthur to St Stanislaus Building Fund or Kindred Hospice.
A great American, a credit to his nation family and community.