Harry Pletcher

Harry James Pletcher went very peacefully on to the Big House in the sky on Monday, January 11th, 2016. Harry, known lovingly as 'H.J.' and 'P-Dog' by those who knew him well, was born at home in Glendora, MI, on February 22nd, 1945, to DeWayne B. Pletcher and Mary Jane (Coupe) Pletcher.

Harry grew up on a large farm among three older siblings, Maryanne, DeWayne and Phyllis. Harry was a stand out high school basketball player and an excellent athlete in baseball, track and field. After high school he enlisted in the Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict, while many of his peers were being drafted. He served four years as a Weapons Specialist and earned the rank of Sergeant, serving much of his time in Thailand. While stationed at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in the Upper Peninsula, near Marquette, he met the love of his life, Sharon (Bronkhorst) Pletcher. After chasing her around and proposing several times, they were wed and eventually created a family; Sherry (Kurt) Quine, Angel (Jason) Elsenheimer and Chad (Jessica)Pletcher.(P-Dog never stopped chasing Sharon around until he was literally physically unable to.)

During his long, loving life, Harry was a utility lineman, a teacher, a coach, an avid gardener and small business owner. He created Harry and Boy, still a thriving business, now in the capable hands of 'The Boy', Chad. Harry's favorite job in life was being a father, grandfather, great grandfather and husband. He was very invested in imparting the importance of honesty, hard work and accountability in the lives of all of the young people in his life. He was a man of his word and believed in always doing what is right. An avid University of Michigan and Detroit Lions fan, it's clear that a man with so many good things going for him, had to be given an Achilles heal.

Harry was an incredible gardener and an even better dancer. He loved music and taught legions of ladies, young and old, how to jitterbug. He and his wife had a special gift, that is, opening their hearts and home to many displaced youth over the years- some for weeks, some for years. A loving imprint was left upon all those who passed through their doors. Harry had a big heart and was most proud of his family. He considered his three children, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild to be the greatest accomplishment of his life.

As the years passed and his physical limitations grew, he was laboriously able to utter the words, "I love you" to the very end of his days. He passed very quietly and peacefully, in the comfort of his own home, with Sharon's hand in his, their clasp resting on his Honolulu blue shirt. Lions fan.'Til death they did part.

A celebration of Harry's life will be held on Saturday, January 16th at 1 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 8084 W. Old State Road, Central Lake, MI. Immediately following, their will be a reception at the local VFW Torch Post 6985, located at 1805 S. Main Street, Central Lake, MI. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the Central Lake VFW Torch Post 6985.

Arrangements have been handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.