Michael Harjer's Obituary
Mr. Michael “Mike” Harjer, age 96, died Wednesday evening, August 26, 2015 in Whitehall, MI. He was born May 8, 1919 in Muskegon to Ben John,Sr.and Henrietta (VanZuthem) Harjer; and had been a life resident of the area. Mike was a U.S. Air Force veteran of WWII; and had co-owned the Colton News Agency for 40 years, prior to his retirement in 1988. He was a member of Fifth Reformed Church where he had served as an Elder and Deacon. He enjoyed camping, traveling and conversation with others. In 1951, he married the former June Kathleen “Kay” Fredericksen, and she preceded him in death in 1978. He then married the former Hazel Sikkenga Sprowls, who survives him along with his step-children, Antonie “Toni” Colbert of Muskegon, Susan Stephens of Sparta, Thomas (Diane) Sprowls of Greenville, MI, Sharon Sprowls of FL and James Sprowls of Muskegon; 16 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Harold and Everett “Buck” (Dorothy) Harjer of AZ; 1 sister, Loretta “Peg” (Bob) Forrest, of Muskegon; along with 2 sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Walter, Herman, Fred, Henry “Hank”, Johnny and Gerald; and by his sisters, Fannie Handlogten, Joann Paul and Etta Bell. Mike’s FUNERAL SERVICE will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday at Fifth Reformed Church (2330 Holton Rd). VISITATION will be 6-8:00 PM Monday at The Sytsema Chapel, 737 Apple Ave. Muskegon, MI 49442 (231-726-5210); and one-hour prior to the service at church. Burial will be in Mona View Cemetery. For a more lasting memorial you are asked to consider Fifth Reformed Church. You are also invited to sign the family’s Online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com
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