Harold Closz Jr.

Harold Francis Closz Jr. was a man dedicated to the most important things in life: faith, family, friends, co-workers, causes and anything else that gave himself and others joy. From sports and music to education and politics, Harold liked being active. He made his mark in business, community organizing, public health and youth programs. His robust personality and adventure for living were inspirational and just plain fun to be around. Harolds story began August 16, 1923 as the United States was recovering from the First World War and experiencing growth in industry and employment. He came of age during the Great Depression and, like many others, met the challenge of a second world war that earned them the distinction of being called The Greatest Generation. Harold Francis, Jr. was the third child of Dr. Harold F. and Elizabeth (Cox) Closz, born and raised in Muskegon, Michigan, where his father was a surgeon and the Chief of Staff at Hackley Hospital. The family home was located at the corner of Jefferson and Larch in a neighborhood with many playmates for Harold and his siblings Charles, William and Betty. H, as Harold was often called, enjoyed a typical childhood of fun and schooling, which overlapped in several ways. He took piano lessons and did well enough to play in a dance band during his high school years. He was on the football and tennis teams (taking the state doubles championship with partner Dick Fiet) and was elected president of the student body two years in a row. By the time he graduated from Muskegon High School in 1941, Harold was already a well-rounded young man with a variety of interests. Harold enrolled at DePauw University in Indiana and was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. He began dating Mary Jean Phipps and the two were married in 1943. Yet, world events kept them apart for a time. With the nation heavily engaged in WWII, Harold joined the U.S. Army Air Corp and became a B-24 pilot, flying a total of 32 missions over Germany in his plane named the Virgin Sturgeon. Many of his missions were vitally important to the success of WWII, including the Battle of the Bulge, and he was awarded several medals and accommodations: 5 battle stars-Air Medal with 4 Oak Clusters, 6 Theatre medals and the Certificate of Valor. Harolds service was representative of the dedication and sacrifice of military personnel around the world. Upon being honorably discharged, Harold returned to earn his Bachelors Degree in Economics at DePauw. After graduating Harold and Mary Jean returned to Muskegon, and lived in the Glenside neighborhood for a few years before building a house on Miller Drive in North Muskegon. Five children were born to themMichael in 1946, Harold III in 1948, Catherine in 1952, John in 1953 and Thomas in 1955making the Closz family complete and a hub of activity. Living close to Lake Michigan meant many picnics on the beach at Muskegon State Park. With a large group of friends, Harold and Mary socialized a lot and had gatherings at each others homes. He made those gatherings that much more fun with his confidence in social settings. Harold was employed as a sales representative by Roadway Express Inc. and shortly moved through the ranks to become the manager of Western Michigan. With his skill and charisma, he could have advanced further with the company, but Harold chose to stay in Muskegon because of his family and friends. He loved his work but his family even more. Harold was a excellent boss and always took care of his people. As a contributing member of society, Harold was an active volunteer in numerous religious and civic organizations. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and former CCD instructor and Co-Chair of the DDF program. He was past President of the Muskegon Transportation Club, past Chairman of the Muskegon County Republican Party, Muskegon County Republican Finance Committee and delegate at the National Republican Convention in 1968. He was on the board of directors for West Michigan Therapy, Boy Scouts, Muskegon Kiwanis Club, Community Action Against Poverty, Muskegon Harbor Commission, and the Visiting Nurses Society. Harold was active as a mentor in the Host Program at McLaughlin School and an Alderman for the City of North Muskegon. In the mid 1970s, events in American history had left him somewhat disenchanted with politics, but he continued to make a difference in his community. Also in the mid 70s, Harolds marriage came to an end, and he remained single for a number of years. Still, he stayed active socially and recreationally. He spent time in his garden, growing vegetables and sharing them with friends and neighbors. He was an avid fly fisherman and always eager for opening day of trout season on the Pere Marquette River with his buddies. He played tennis and was a member of the Muskegon Country Club and later the White Lake Golf Club, where he played golf until he was 89 years old. It was at the White Lake Yacht Club that Harold met Peggy Gould and soon fell in love. The two married on April 22, 1988 and enjoyed a life together that kept them engaged in their local community but also delighted to spend several winters in Florida. They both loved listening to Big Band music, and recently Harold received a thrill of a lifetime. His granddaughter took him to see The Four Freshman, and he was able to meet members of the group that he had followed since the 1950s. Within the last few years, Peggy needed more care than Harold could provide, so she moved in with her daughter. It was difficult for him to be away from Peggy, but Harold was determined to keep going. Several times a week, he could be found at The Gym in North Muskegon at 6:00AM, working out with a great group of close friends. Harold passed away Sunday, May 11, 2014, surrounded by his family. He will missed dearly by all who knew him and will be remembered as a man who devoted himself to his family and friends and to numerous causes that made life better for so many. Mr. Harold F. Closz Jr., age 90, is survived by his wife of 26 years, Peggy; sons, Michael C. (Melissa) Closz of KS, Harold F. (Jnai) Closz III of North Muskegon, John C. (Martha) Closz of Traverse City, Thomas M. Closz of IL; daughter, Catherine (Thomas) Ray of MO; grandchildren, Harold F. (Casey) Closz IV, Christine Closz, Caitlin Closz, Nathaniel Ray; brother, Charles M. (Hanora) Closz of PA; stepchildren, Ben Snyder, Jenifer Page, Kathy Rogers, Amy Engle and Kelly Crimmins. He was preceded in death by his brother, William H. Closz and sister, Betty G. West. A funeral mass will be celebrated Thursday, May 15, 2014, 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Fr. Matthew Barnum officiating and Military Honors under the Auspices of the Muskegon County Council of Veterans. Visitation Wednesday, 5-8 PM at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorials made to American Cancer Society, Muskegon County Veterans Legends Flight or St. Mary's Catholic Church are greatly appreciated. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.