GRETHER, HARRY JOHN

Please join us for a Celebration of Life for Harry John Grether on Sunday, June 12 at 3 p.m. from Dow Gardens (no entry fee). A reception will immediately follow at the Midland Country Club. Harry John Grether, devoted family man, beloved educator, distinguished author and dear friend of the Midland community, peacefully entered into the Kingdom of Heaven at his home on December 6, 2021, lovingly supported by his cherished family and dearest friends. For Harry, family was everything. His greatest joys in this life were his loving wife of sixty years, Helen, his two beautiful daughters Denise and Sheri and his cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren. Harry is survived by his wife Helen (Malecki), daughter Sheri Sopcak and husband Jeff Sopcak, grandchildren Nadya Markey, Alex Markey (Laura), Dima Markey (Courtney), Sarah Sopcak, Hannah Solano (Justin), great grandchildren Emma Markey and Colton Markey. Also, brother John Grether (Cynthia), sister Heidi (Ed Groves) and sister Nancy Kappeli (Vic). Sister-in-law Janet Mrozinski (Richard) and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his daughter Denise Grether-white, niece Sarah Grether and nephew Terry Kappeli. Harry was born to Hans Grether and Emmy (Jaggi) Grether on December 16, 1937, in Midland, Michigan. As a graduate of the Midland High School Class of 1956, Harry earned a Master’s degree from CMU with an academic focus on Elementary and Special Education, finally receiving a Specialist degree from EMU with an emphasis in Administration. He enjoyed a lengthy and very successful career as a publicschool teacher & administrator in the Bay City, Ypsilanti and Gratiot/isabella school systems. For Harry, life was to be measured by what we have done and what we have given to others, not by how long we are here or by how many breaths we have taken. Harry’s personal and deep commitment to community service and his strong belief in volunteerism were best exemplified through his tireless accomplishments in both Rotary International and The Children’s Grief Center of Midland, Saginaw and Bay City. He also spent countless hours volunteering at American Red Cross, Toni and Trish House, Cancer Services, and Voice of the Faithful. In Harry’s own words: “One of the most important reasons we are here is to be of help to one another.”