WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
John W. Harter, Jr., age 74, of Sturgis, passed away Sunday morning, June 30, 2024, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis.
He was born August 11, 1949, in Sturgis, son of the late John W. and Arlene (Gest) Harter, Sr.
John was a lifelong Sturgis resident and graduate of Centreville High School with the class of 1968 where he excelled in athletics, especially football and baseball. He furthered his education at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo.
On June 28, 1974, he married Barbara A. Selvage at the Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sturgis.
John retired from American Axle in Three Rivers following 30 years of dedicated employment. He had also been employed by the Harter Corporation and Paramount Furniture Company, both in Sturgis. Following his retirement, he worked part time at the St. Joseph County I.S.D. in Centreville from 2010-2016.
John enjoyed collecting baseball cards with his children and other collectibles, model railroading, camping at NASCAR races and Twin Mills Campground. He and Barb could often times be found browsing antique shops. He was an avid loyal fan of the Detroit Tigers and University of Michigan football. John had hobbies and interests, but what he truly loved was time spent with his family and attending his grandchildren’s many activities and sporting events.
He is survived by his wife: Barbara; daughter: Jennifer (Nick) Wahley of Bakersfield, California; sons: Jason (Shelby) Harter of Lake Orion and Justin (Marci) Harter of Richland; grandchildren: Landon Harter, Allie Harter, Colton Wahley, Kinsley Wahley and Josie Harter; sister: Judy Knight of White Pigeon and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Coral Williams, Ellen Quinn and June Baldwin; brothers: Ray Harter and Fred Harter.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 on Friday, July 5th at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis where funeral services celebrating the life of John W. Harter, Jr. will be held Saturday, July 6th at 11:00 A.M. Pastor Ryan Bibb of Radiant Life Church in Sturgis will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Harter’s memory consider Thurston Woods Village, 307 N. Franks Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
