Harold 'Harry' J. Vanderwyst

Harold J. "Harry" Vanderwyst, age 71, of Alpena passed away on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at Sally's Care Home in Alpena, Michigan.

            On January 15, 1947, Harold was born to the late Lavern and Irene (Quicker) Vanderwyst in Granton, Wisconsin.

            Harry enlisted in the United States Air Force serving from 1965 – 1969, making Sergeant during the Vietnam War. Initially stationed at Wurtsmith & Phelps Collins Air Force base in northern Michigan he met Marlene Dziesinski while earning extra money as a Clark gas station attendant. On September 28, 1968, he married Marlene Dziesinski at St. Mary's Catholic Church, during his deployment overseas at Wheelus Air Base in Libya. After being honorably discharged, he made his permanent residence in Alpena, Michigan; his wife's hometown.

            Harry then became a skilled machinist at Abitibi Inc., a hardboard manufacturing plant, after 39 years of dedicated service, retiring in 2009. He was naturally talented in making useful innovative items. As an entrepreneur and inventor, he formed two small side businesses, Fall Creek Manufacturing, and Creative Creations providing additional financial security and enjoyment for the whole family.

            His family and friends were the most important in his life, and he lived for the many trips and visits with them. From wheelchair rides for the grandkids to playing cards, he found joy in all he did. He was a skydiver, scuba diver, sailor, a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus Third and Fourth Degree, and K of C Color Guard.

            He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Marlene and their 3 children: Nathan (Kristin) Vanderwyst of Papillion, NE; Natalie (Steve) Schmaltz of Ortonville, MI; and Nicole (Bryan) Stefan of Royal Oak, MI; 7 grandchildren: Grace, William, Viola, Walter, Evelyena, Annalynne, and Amelia. His one brother Ralph (Marielle) Vanderwyst of Berlin, Germany, one sister Darlene (Dale) Wernberg of Marshfield, WI; several nieces and nephews; along with his mother-in-law Evelyn Green and brother-in-law Dennis (Lori) Dziesinski both of Alpena, MI

            He was preceded in death by one brother Norman, and one sister Deanna.

            Family and friends will gather for memorial visitation on Saturday, December 1, 2018, at Karpus-Hunter Funeral Home from 11 am until 2 pm with a Chalice Presentation by the Knights of Columbus 529 at 1:30 pm, Funeral Service at 2 pm with Seminarian Mary Hughes officiating, followed by Full Military Honors accorded by the V.F.W. Post 2496.

            In lieu of flowers donations may be made to friends choice in memory of Harry.

Saturday, December 1, 2018; at Karpus-Hunter Funeral Home; Visitation 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM; Knights of Columbus Presentation on the Chalice at 1:30 PM; Memorial Service at 2:00 PM; Followed by Full Military Honors

Saturday, December 1, 2018 2:00 PM

KARPUS HUNTER FUNERAL HOME 516 W CHISHOLM ST Alpena, Michigan 49707

Saturday, December 1, 2018; at Karpus-Hunter Funeral Home; Visitation 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM; Knights of Columbus Presentation on the Chalice at 1:30 PM; Memorial Service at 2:00 PM; Followed by Full Military Honors