Harry Darga

Harry Martin Darga, 87 passed away on
Monday, November 3, 2014 at home on
Grand Lake surrounded by his loving wife Alice and family.

Harry was born in Posen, Michigan on December 8th, 1926.

He was the seventh son of Frank and Rose Darga. He was a 1945 graduate
of Posen High School, After Harry had returned from the service,
stationed in Italy from 1945-1947, he began a whirlwind courtship of
Alice Bernice Krawezak. On July 2nd 1949 Harry married the love of his
life, Alice, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Rogers City Michigan. They
were married for 65 years.

They settled in Alpena, Michigan where Harry became the bookkeeper for
the Sherwin Williams Paint store. Alice was busy raising the first three
of their children. In 1955, Harry took a position as an Assistant Manager
for Sherwin Williams in Ann Arbor, Michigan, There Harry and Alice
added two more children to the family. He was active in the Painters and
Decorators Association of America and became Secretary of that
organization planning many productive conferences and events.

It was in Ann Arbor where Harry began a lifetime of being very active in
all the things a great Dad might do. He was active in St. Thomas Church
programs, school sports, gardening, and amazing family vacations.

Harry quickly became a store manager for Sherwin Williams, but in 1973,
the opportunity came up for a transfer with the company back to Alpena
and Harry and Alice and family relocated to Grand Lake where they have
had their home on the lake for 40 years.

It was in Posen that Harry helped establish the first Knights of Columbus
branch in 1978. He became the first Deputy Grand Knight and the second
Grand Knight. He also served as master of ceremonies for the Posen
Potato Festival Grand Parade.

Harry grew up on the family farm in Posen, In retirement, his garden
became his favorite past time. He loved sharing the garden with his
5 children, 10 grandchildren and his 5 great grandchildren.

Harry and Alice loved to travel. They to took several vacations to Europe,
Alaska, Western U.S, Canada, Mexico, out east, and down south, Harry
and Alice actually visited every state in the nation, They spent many
winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and more than 20 winters at their home
in Port Richey Florida. They loved the sunshine and shared it with their
family.

Harry is survived by:
his wife of 65 years, Alice;
four sons, Dennis (Beverly) of Naples Florida,
Thomas (Becky) of Traverse City,
Richard (Anne) of Harbor Springs and Chicago,
Timothy (Lois) of Presque Isle, and
one daughter, Jane (Michael Swanson) of Marinette Wisconsin;
ten grandchildren and their families, Kurt (Patty) Darga,
Nick (Ashley) Darga, Kristen (Andrew) (Kowalski),
Dee (Josh)Bridges, Kaley Darga, Patrick (Brittany) Darga,
Jessica Darga, Sara Darga, David Swanson and
Andrew Swanson; and
five great grandchildren, Ethan, Aubrey, and Colton Darga, and
Sofia and Harry Kowalski.

His sister Pauline and brother Stanley, and literally hundreds of nieces
and nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins survive Harry.

Brothers and sisters Helen, Emil, Frank, Philip, Bernard, Mary, Julia,
Leo and Clarence preceded him in death.

Harry is at the Beck Funeral Home in Rogers City, Michigan, Family and
friends may call on Thursday, November 6 from 4 to 8 p.m. A rosary
service will be held at 6:30p.m. followed by a prayer service at 7 p.m.
Visitation will resume at St. Casimir’s Catholic Church in Posen,
Michigan at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 7, followed by an 11 a.m,
Mass of Christian Burial, Posen VFW Post 7804 will accord full military
honors following Mass.

Memorials may be made to Posen Knights of Columbus Council 6657
Chalice Fund.