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Harlan Quardokus

Harlan Quardokus

  • August 30, 1934 - April 28, 2012
  • Saint Joseph, Michigan
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“I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May your friends and family bring you peace at this time of mourning. ”
1 of 11 | Posted by: Dan Betts - St. Joseph, MI

“Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Hold on to the wonderful memories. Love Mike, Karen, Nick & Jake Sefton ”
2 of 11 | Posted by: Karen - Indianapolis, IN - Friend

“My deepest sympathy goes to Harlan’s family. I’ve grown up with Gene and always considered Harlan a close friend. Some of my best childhood...Read More » ”
3 of 11 | Posted by: Dan Smith - St. Joseph, MI

“I went to school with Harley from 7th grade thru H.S. I remember him as a really nice guy. He also did a lot of work for my dad Lester Brunke. My...Read More » ”
4 of 11 | Posted by: Joyce Wooten - Clinton Twp., MI

“Hello... My sister Sue forwarded via email Harlan's obituary this evening. I immediately remembered meals we shared at your house during the 80s....Read More » ”
5 of 11 | Posted by: Bonnie Sonnemann - Traverse City, MI

“Our sympathy and prayers to you Connie and to all of the family. Harlan was always a truly good friend and neighbor to our family. We all have...Read More » ”
6 of 11 | Posted by: Virginia (Flood) Vanderboegh - IN

“You are in our prayers, we love you! ”
7 of 11 | Posted by: Ben and Wendy, Linsey, Nate, Addelyn, Brooke and Bennie

“When your loved-one becomes a memory, let your memory live forever! ”
8 of 11 | Posted by: Ted Chamberlain - Saint Joseph, MI

“Stan, Julie & Family- My thoughts & prayers are with you all. He is at peace & in a happier place. He will always be with you & forever watch...Read More » ”
9 of 11 | Posted by: Janet Hora - Stevensville, MI

“Stan, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Dorothy & Gordon Heidenga ”
10 of 11 | Posted by: Dorothy (Sutherland) and Gordon Heidenga - MI

“Stan & Juile, My heart goes out to you and all of your family. I know all too well how you are feeling right now. Relish the memories and keep him...Read More » ”
11 of 11 | Posted by: Sheila Miller - St. Joseph


Army Emblem

Harlan Quardokus, 77, of St. Joseph lost his fight to cancer, Sat., April 28, 2012 at Caretel Inns of Lakeland.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 2pm on Wed., May 2, 2012 at Starks and Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Pastor Phillip Quardokus officiating. Burial will follow at Lincoln Twp. Cemetery. Friends may visit from 12 pm until 2 pm on Wed. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Berrien County Historical Assoc., Friends of Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan, and Arthritis Foundation.

Harlan was born Aug 30, 1934 in Stevensville, the youngest of five children to Harry H. and Hattie B. (Herman). In 1937 Harlan and his family moved to a small farm in Lincoln Twp. where he continued to live and graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1952. On Aug 4, 1962 he married Constance (Connie) Zalenski. They raised three sons, two of which live on adjoining properties. With 40 years' experience as a self-employed Masonry contractor, the state of Michigan hired Harlan to help update and revise testing standards for masonry licenses. As a genealogy buff, Harlan found he was a direct descendant of four Mayflower passengers, three revolutionary war soldiers and two civil war veterans. His father was in WWI and his brother Fay in WWII. Harlan served his country in the U.S. Army from 1954-56. He was a member of The General Society of Mayflower Descendents, The Berrien County Historical Assoc., Friends of Oak Ridge Cemetery, and Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. In his spare time he enjoyed sports and teaching his children and grandchildren to play baseball. Most of all Harlan's love was living on the farm with his wife and having his sons and their families close by.

Harlan is survived by his wife Connie of St. Joseph; sons Gene (Laurie) Quardokus of St. Joseph, Stanley (Julie) of St. Joseph, and Kurt (Theresa) of Plymouth, IN; Grandchildren Hattie, Frank and Scott; Step-grandchildren, Damon and Tyler Ewen, Jenny, Libby, Jared and Jordan Knapp; sister Jane Elson of AZ; many nieces and nephews; and his best friend Dwight (Whitey) Riemersa. Harlan was preceded in death by his parents, sister's Jackie Reitz, Claire Black, and brother Fay Quardokus.