Donald Ralph Harter, Age 92 of Manistee died Wednesday November 2, 2016 at West Shore Medical Center.
He was born on December 11, 1923 in Cleveland, Ohio the son of the late Ralph George & Irene Elizabeth (Johnson) Harter. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Detroit. He served in the Merchant Marine during World War II and attended the King’s Point Merchant Marine Academy, graduating on Nov. 14, 1944. He then entered the US Navy and served aboard numerous Merchant Marine & Naval vessels, including submarines in the states and worldwide for 20 years. He married Barbara Ann Piotrowski on February 9, 1952 at the Gesu Church in Detroit.
Don was employed in the Sales Division for Vickers Hydraulics for 28 years working in various cities including Detroit. During part of that time he served as President of the Fluid Power Society.
He was a communicant of Divine Mercy Parish and had attended Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Manistee, a member of the Manistee Golf & Country Club, Manistee Elks, Manistee Moose Lodge, West Michigan Amateur Radio Club, and the Catholic War Veterans, where he was active in the placement of The American Flag on veteran’s graves.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years; Barbara Ann Harter of Manistee, four children; Donald R. Harter, Jr of Gainsville, FL, Mary Kathryn Harter of Manistee, Richard J. (Linda) Harter of Leonard, MI, and Jacqueline Keen (Michael Harloff) of Manistee, One Granddaughter; Danielle N. Keen of Sarasota, FL & one sister; Rita McGinnis of Florida.
He was also preceded in death by a grandson; Michael Alan Keen and a brother; Richard L. Harter.
Mass from the Order of Christian funerals will be celebrated Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee. Interment will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 AM until time of Mass.
Memorials may be directed to Divine Mercy Parish.
Please visit Donald’s personal book of memories page at www.oakgrovefh.com to share a memory or photo with the family.
The family has entrusted the Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Manistee with funeral arrangements.

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