WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
The Klinger Lake community lost a long-time resident and a familiar face on Saturday March 16, 2013, when Deloss Campbell Hardesty, known by most as De, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family.
De was born on April 17, 1919, in Medaryville, Ind. He was the son of Charles and Mae Campbell Hardesty. De was a 1937 graduate of Hammond High School.
On April 19, 1941, he married Sarah (Jo) Ramsey. De served our country from 1943-1946 as a sergeant in the United States Army and was a World War II veteran. He served in the 3119 Signal Service Battalion in the South Pacific and Japan.
Preceding De in death were his parents, Fae (step mother); son, Jackie (infant); Clayton (brother); David (nephew); and many aunts and uncles. He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Jo; children, Dr. Jim (Julie) Hardesty of Fallbrook, Calif., Susan (Dan) Dulin of Warsaw, Ind.; grandchildren, Dan (Nichole) Dulin, Amy (Ian) MacLaverty, Remy Hardesty, Luke Hardesty; step granddaughter, Kate Jehue; and great-grandchildren Collin and Raegan Dulin who loved spending time with their PaPa.
Several generations have been influenced by De’s knowledge and inspiration. Everyone possesses special memories with him. Some of the unforgettable times were spent riding in the old Century, learning to water ski, tubing behind the pontoon boat, and going to the barn to see his newest horse.
In 1984, when De retired from many years working in the retail building industry and Jo from her office manager position, they moved to their summer home on Klinger Lake. De had been active in the Highland, Ind., Kiwanis Club (president 1961) and the Highland Chamber of Commerce. He was also an honorary life member of the American Legion.
De was as passionate about horses and sailing his Flying Scot as he was about his family. He was a member of the Klinger Lake Yacht Club. De was well known around the lake and could be found at any remodeling project, watching houses in the winter, or sitting in his sailboat during the Sunday race wondering what happened to the wind. If he wasn’t at the lake, he could be found at the barn. He always had a special place in his heart for his many horse friends. A quotation descriptive of his passion was, “Bread may feed my body, but my horse feeds my soul”.
The most common sentiment expressed by friends and acquaintances upon hearing of De’s passing is that he was the nicest and friendliest man. He will be missed by many.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends and relatives from 2-6 p.m. EDT Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at the Hackman Family Funeral Home, Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago Rd, Sturgis MI 49091. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 4 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, April 17, during visitation. The Rev. Deb Johnson of First United Methodist Church in Sturgis will officiate.
Memorial donations may be directed to Thurston Woods Village or The First United Methodist Church in Sturgis, Mich.
