Harry Overhiser

Harry Dean Overhiser, 86, of South Haven died Friday, June 27, 2008, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo.

Harry was born to Amelia (Niffenegger) and Arlie Overhiser on January 23, 1922. He is survived by Beverly Jean (Curtis) Overhiser, wife of 62 years, son David Lee and Loretta (Brush) Overhiser, son Dennis Ray Overhiser, granddaughter, Nancy Kay Overhiser, great grandson, Mason Beard, brother Jack and Marry Ann (Pringle) Overhiser, and preceded in death by his brother, Roger Overhiser.

Harry was a graduate of the 1940 class of South Haven High School and studied horticulture at Michigan State University for three years. His studies were interrupted by World War II and the army. Harry was at his point of embarkation to Europe when orders arrived allowing him to return home. His mother had listened to President Roosevelt’s Fireside Chat radio talks. During one of these programs FDR said, “All men needed on farms, at home, shall be released from service.” Amelia sent a letter to the president requesting Harry be released as there was no one to run the family fruit farm and FDR made good on his statement.

From that interesting beginning, Harry’s hard work growing fruit led to many career achievements ranging from Michigan’s Farmer of the Week, in 1981, to President of the Michigan State Horticultural Society, East Lansing. The Society later presented Harry with a special award for his service to Michigan’s fruit growing industry.

Harry said, “I’ve been in about every organization that’s around.” He felt it was good experience to be on committees to see what was going on in his industry. Those committees were in organizations such as the Michigan Association of Cherry Producers, Michigan Peach Council and the Michigan Apple Committee, Lansing, where he was the 1983/1984 Chairman. Harry was the vice president of Coloma Frozen Foods. Governor Milliken appointed Harry to be a member of the Michigan Cherry Committee bargaining subcommittee in Washington D.C.

Harry harvested his fruit as close to the perfect degree of maturity possible which made his cherries, peaches, nectarines, plums and apples highly prized.

As one of the original members of the Casco Fire Department, when it formed in the mid 1940s, Harry served as Casco’s fire chief for nearly 40 years. Harry was instrumental in establishing fire fighting classes for many Southwest Michigan townships. The department started with an old truck that was nicknamed “the old pickle vat” but was using the most modern of fire trucks when Harry retired.

Harry was a member of the Casco United Methodist Church, located at the corners of 109th and 66th Street in Casco. Come to the church and visit with Harry’s family at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1st. A memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor David Meister officiating and a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to the Casco United Methodist Church or the South Haven Area Fire Department. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guest book at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.

The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven 637-0333.