Harold Arthur Plichta
HOUGHTON - Harold Arthur Plichta, 89, of Detroit and more recently of The Bluffs, died peacefully on Thursday, August 12, 2010, with his four children at his side.
He was born on July 11, 1921, in Detroit, the son of the late Adolph and Helen Plichta. He graduated from Chadsey High School in 1939 followed by Chrysler Apprentice School in 1940.
He served in the Army Air Corp in WW II and graduated from the Aviation Cadet Navigation and Aerial Engineer Schools.
After the war, he followed his mechanical interests and worked as a machinist for both Kaiser-Frazer and General Motors Hydromantic. He retired from GM as a machine shop manager in 1980.
Throughout his life, he possessed an innate talent to repair mechanical devices and was known for his skilled craftsmanship. He was a musician and loved entertaining people through stories, jokes, games and riddles. He was appreciated for his great sense of humor, his helpful nature and his interest in people. To Harold, everyone was important!
On May 24, 1947, he married Margaret Mohr in Detroit. She preceded him in death on April 5, 1999.
He is survived by a brother, Robert (Ella) Plichta of Petoskey; a sister, Shirley (Art) Brunner of Royal Oak; a son, Eric (Angela) Plichta of Louisville, Ky.; a son, Mark (Carol) Plichta of Lake Linden; a daughter, Anita (John) Quinn of Atlantic Mine; a daughter, Alice Plichta (Pat MacArthur) of Livonia, Mich.; 10 grandchildren, Jessie, Jacob, Shawn, Justin, Byron, Adam, Carrie, Erica, Jessica, and Amanda; 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation in the Houghton area will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 14, at The Bluffs in Houghton, followed by a memorial service and refreshments.
Viewing in the Detriot area and burial at Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park in Livonia will be at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, August 17, 2010.
For online condolences, go to oneilldennisfh.com.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests memorial gifts be given to Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, 527 Hancock Ave., Hancock, MI 49930 or the American Cancer Society, U.P. Area, 1400 S. Carpenter, Iron Mountain, MI 49801.
Most importantly, remember if your eye hurts when you drink coffee, “Take the spoon out of the cup!”
Messages
Comment from Ashley L.
Time August 16, 2010 at 1:11 am
I was so sad when I found out about Harold passing. I loved visiting him at the bluffs and sitting down to talk with him. He always had a story to tell when I would stop in. We would always share stories about living in Garden City, my sports in college, music, our families, and so many other things. He always had a photo album to show me and a story to go along with it. I enjoyed the time I got to spend with Harold and will never forget him. I am so sorry for his loss and will remember him always. <3
Comment from Shirley Coponen
Time August 16, 2010 at 4:58 am
Harold’s family ~
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing & sorry I wasn’t in town to be at your dad’s funeral! He was a great guy will be greatly missed!
Shirley - Harold’s housekeeper
Comment from Don and Robbin Sawyer and kids
Time August 16, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Dear Anita, Mark and families…we are so sorry to hear about your dad. We were traveling and are just getting info. now. We are praying for your whole family, for peace and comfort. How wonderful that his kids were by his side! And how wonderful you ended the obit with the joke! With Love, The Sawyers
Comment from jackie saari
Time August 15, 2010 at 9:57 am
hi, my name is jackie, im the housekeeper at the bluffs on third floor. your dad is going to be greatly missed by everyone.he was such a sweetheart and had the sweetest smile. he always made sure that shirley gave me some babe ruth candy bars. he was the best and will be deeply missed. the bluffs wont be the same without his smile and humor. he called just about everyone kiddo. may he rest in peace. he may be gone now but he will deffinetly never be forgotten. always in our hearts, jackie saari