Harry J. Murawka

Murawka, Harry J., age 94, passed away May 1, 2018 in Royal Oak, MI. Harry was the beloved husband of Jane; loving father of Kathleen Murawka, Susan (Charles) Kronk, Gary (Concepcion) Murawka, Jeffery Murawka, and Mary Jane Murawka; proud grandfather of Matthew Kronk, Janee Kronk, Scott Kronk, Valerie Murawka, Samantha Murawka, Stephen Murawka, and Daniel Murawka; great-grandfather of Alyna and Adillyn. He was preceded in death by his siblings Albin (Lucille) and Agnes (Albert) Gruss. Harry Murawka was born on October 24, 1923, the youngest child of immigrant parents. He grew up in Detroit, becoming street-wise and savvy in order to help his family put food on the table. He was a tall, skinny lad who attended an open-air school for children who were considered undernourished. He became a caddy at Knollwood Country Club to earn money for his family's needs, walking and hitchhiking his way to the job. Harry graduated early from Wilbur Wright High School. At sixteen he used his sister's birth date to appear older, so he could get an office job at RC Mahon. Harry had a natural ability for math and negotiating skills from a very young age. When he as about ten years of age, he went with his mom to buy furniture and annoyed the salesperson by insisting on a better deal. During World War II Harry was drafted into the army. Due to his map-reading skills he served as a forward observer in the 79th Infantry Division, eventually earning his sergeant stripes. When the war ended he returned to RC Mahon, starting at the drafting table and ultimately working his way up to sales. He finished out his career at Haden International Group. Harry loved many things: bridge, golf, tennis, and fishing; but his top priority in life was his wife, Jane, whom he met on the dance floor of the Graystone Ballroom. They were married for sixty-nine years, and Harry always said that being married to Jane was "his heaven on earth." Memorial gifts may be given to Old Newsboys’ Goodfellows Fund of Detroit, P.O. Box 44444, Detroit 48244. www.detroitgoodfellows.org Memorial visitation Thursday, May 17, from 2-8 p.m. with a memorial service at 7 p.m. at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W 11 Mile Road (4 blocks E of Woodward), Royal Oak, MI 48067. Inurnment with Military Honors at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan on Tuesday, May 22, at 12:30 p.m. Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.

Harry J. Murawka

October 24, 1923 - May 1, 2018