Ronald Jack Harter

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Ronald Jack Harter lived a life of purpose while holding his loved ones near. He seemed to effortlessly balance working hard with taking the time to enjoy life, and he was the sort of person who accomplished whatever goal he set his mind to. It was easy to see that Jack shared his days with the love of his life, and together he and his wife shared a love story that spanned 59 years. He was the sort of person who people could count on, and there was nothing he wouldn't do for his family and friends. Although he will be deeply missed, the memories Jack leaves behind will never be forgotten. The 1920s were highly prosperous years, but the 1930s were a much different story as they were cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce, the unemployment rate soared, and with a drought that blanketed the nations heartland for nearly two years, things only went from bad to worse. There were still times to celebrate, however, and it was with great joy that Ronald Jack was welcomed into the world by his parents, Joseph and Mary (Combs) Harter, in the family home in Green Castle, Indiana, on December 10, 1935. He was the fifth of ten children as he was joined by his older siblings, Bernice, Joseph, Kenneth, and Janet, and his younger siblings, Wilma, Frank, Mary, John, and Betty. From an early age Ronald was known by his middle name of Jack, and it stuck with him for the rest of his life. His father was a self-employed carpenter while his mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. It has been said that it was because his father took him fishing as an infant that Jack was a lifelong fisherman. Sadly, his father died when Jack was only two years old. When his mother later remarried, Jack and his family moved to Muskegon, Michigan, where they moved into a home on Sheridan Drive. He played on a baseball team as a young boy, continuing all through his years in high school. Jack attended Jolman School and then went on to Muskegon High School. Although he did not graduate from Muskegon High School, he did earn his GED while attending a trade school a bit later. Jack looked forward to family reunions, quite often held at a local park, and Christmas was always a time of grand celebration at the family home. New and exciting changes were in store for Jack when he met the young girl of his dreams. Her name was Shirley Houghtaling, and they met after she was persuaded by a girlfriend to meet a certain neat guy named Jack who worked at the City Service gas station on Getty Street. Intrigued, a date was made for the same day in the early evening in July of 1955. Jack and Shirley shared popcorn and then took a drive to Bronson Park on Lake Michigan, and it was there that they shared their first kiss. They drove around for a bit, but since Jack had worked a long day he grew a bit tired and shut his eyes for a few. Shirley then fell asleep also, which wasnt a great scenario since she was supposed to be home before dark! Her father happened to see the car and intervened, asking if they had been doing something they shouldnt have. Of course they said they had not. They were both smitten, and it was just a few weeks later that Jack asked his sweetheart to marry him. He really wanted to run away and get married, but she was too traditional to be a part of that and wanted to be married in a church. Shirleys wish came true when she became his bride on March 10, 1956, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Muskegon. Throughout his journey there was nothing that was of greater significance in Jacks life than his family. Together he and Shirley were blessed to welcome two children including Vicki in 1956 and Ronald Jr. in 1961 into their hearts and home. Ronald Jr's birth was quite the event as Shirley was unable to get ahold of Jack to take her to the hospital. Getting her there ended up falling on the shoulders of their landlord, and apparently Shirley had stayed at home too long trying to reach her husband since Ronald Jr. was born in the car along the way! Jack was the disciplinarian, and although he was firm, he was aways fair, patient, and compassionate in dealing with his children. As a family they enjoyed going on vacation, primarily to visit relatives, and they also regularly spent time at Hart Lake and taking in the Hart Fair during the summer. Jack was a great provider, and he worked hard throughout his life. He started off as a carpenter for Muskegon Construction, and he also received specialized training in tool and die at a trade school. From there he put his skills to good use at A1 Machine Company and then went on to Johnson Technology for the remainder of his career. Jack was devoted to his work, but his motto was to get the work done and then enjoy life. Sadly, he and Shirley had to face the deaths of both of their children. Part of enjoying life to Jack meant taking the time to enjoy the people and things he treasured. Over the years they had two dogs that were like additional member of the family, and for five years they also had a monkey! With a lifelong love for fishing, Jack had his own boat for several years, and oftentimes Shirley joined him when he went out to fish. Whether he was putting in a hard day at work, finding something to keep him busy around the house, or enjoying some quiet time while out fishing, Ronald Jack Harter took nothing for granted. When he loved, he loved deeply, and his devotion to his family was unmatched. Jack and his wife were an inspiration as they were partners, companions, and friends throughout their 59 years of marriage. A dear man to many, he will be forever missed. Mr. Ronald Harter , age 79, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2015. He was born in Greencastle, Indiana on December 10, 1935 to Joseph & Mary (Combs) Harter and married the former Shirley Houghtaling on March 10, 1956. Ronald is survived by his wife of 59 years, Shirley, grandchildren Jeremy Jack Rowden, Selina Leah Goddard, sisters Bernice, Wilma & Betty and brother John. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Vicki Lynn Goddard, son Ronald Jr., sisters Janet & Mary, brothers Joe, Kenneth & Frank. His Service will be held on Wednesday, March 17, 2015, 11:00 am at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Ben Jansen officiating. Interment in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 16, 2015, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. MEMORIAL: The Charity of Your Choice.