Harlan G. Specketer

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Harlan G. Specketer, 87, of Lake Road, Ironwood Township, died Thursday, April 17, 2014, at Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield.

He was born Sept. 22, 1926, in Bath, Ill., son of the late Julius and Edith (Kolves) Specketer, and graduated from high school in Havana, Ill. He then entered the U.S. Navy Air Corps on May 31, 1944, serving in the South Pacific during World War II, and was honorably discharged as a seaman first class on June 2, 1946.

Following his discharge, Harlan was employed in various jobs before entering Bradley University in Peoria, Ill., and receiving a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in business and music. He then taught in Peoria and in Havana for the remainder of his career until his retirement, later moving to Ironwood Township on May 1, 1995.

Harlan loved listening to jazz and also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, golf and reading.

He was married to Patti McCarthy on Oct. 16, 1974, in Havana. She survives.

Also surviving are a son, Kevin Specketer, Lincoln, Ill .; two daughters, Julie Rodgers, Springfield, Ill., and Susan (Leroy) Angst, Peoria; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Frank L. (Joyce) McCarthy; and several cousins.

Honoring Harlan's request, cremation has taken place and no services will be held.

Arrangements were entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood, where condolences may be offered online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.