Richard E. Harju, Sr.

Richard “Dick” Harju, Sr., age 88, of Iron River, MI, passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023. He was born on June 29, 1935, in Iron River, MI, the son of the late Isaac and Senia (Salo) Harju. Dick attended the Iron River Schools, graduating with the class of 1953. He was a U.S. Coast Guard Veteran. Dick married Bonnie Benter on April 16, 1960, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Tipler, WI. They celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this year. He was the manager for the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. Dick was a member of St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, AMVETS Post #436 and The American Legion Reino Post #21. He enjoyed wood carving, bowling, snowmobiling, and playing softball. He was also a Detroit Tigers and Lions fan. Dick is survived by his wife Bonnie; son, Richard (Julie Noblet) Harju, Jr. of Iron River; daughters, Shari (Mark) Donati and Lisa Harju, both of Iron River, MI; sister, Gloria Hardecke of Sullivan, MO; brother-in-law, Bob Benter of Tipler, WI; grandchildren, Eric (Nicole) Donati, Jacob Donati, Britnee Campbell, and Tayley Linley; great grandchildren, Riddick, Calia, and Tyler; numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. He was also preceded in death by his brother, David Harju and stepfather, William Maki. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 4, 2023, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River. Funeral services will follow at 4 p.m. with Pastor Jason Liebenow to officiate. Interment will be in Rosehill Cemetery in Beechwood. The West Side Veterans will accord Military Rites at the graveside. The family would like to thank the Iron County Sheriff’s Department and Aspirus EMTs for their assistance during this difficult time. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard E. Harju, Sr., please visit our flower store.