Harry Hubert Friend

Harry Hubert Friend, 93, of Empire passed away at home in the care of his beloved family on Monday, February 17, 2025.

Harry (Henry, Hank, Bud) Friend was born on May 20, 1931, in Redford, MI to the late Harry Hubert and Elizabeth Victoria (Swetish) Friend Sr.

Harry was dedicated to the Catholic Church and to his family.

Honorably, Harry served our Country in the United States Air Force. He served as a hydraulic mechanic in the maintenance squadron. Harry then went on to graduate from Lawrence Tech University Engineering School and was an Engineer for Vicker Corporation and Morrow Steel.

Harry married the love of his life Rosemary Roberts in 1954. They raised their family proudly in Southfield Michigan. He and Rosemary were loyal parishioners at the St. Gerard(Corpus Christi Parish) and St. Philip Neri Catholic Churches.

Harry was a devoted Catholic his entire life and only missed a handful of Masses over his 93 years. He served as Deacon for over 40 years and proudly served his Parishes and Priests.

Harry and Rosemary retired in 1986 and moved North to the beautiful Village of Empire, MI.

Harry was a hard worker and loved to tinker with everything. A large portion of his time was spent helping his children with many projects. In his spare time, he really enjoyed building and flying model planes. He and Rosemary traveled around the world together. They had 67 wonderful years of memories together.
Harry was a kind and gentle giant. A husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He will be sadly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Harry leaves behind his children; Laura Sielaff, Paul, John (Darlene) and David (Nancy) and Steven (Vieng) Cheung; grandchildren Michael (Sarah), Dustin, Jason, Jesse (Verna), Mitchell, Lindsey (Christian), Joseph and Nicholas; extended family and friends, and many beloved great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sister Beth (John) Parker.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Joan, his devoted wife Rosemary, and his beloved daughter Michele.

Consider memorials to St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Empire, MI.

Mass will be held at 11am at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Empire on Friday, February 21, 2025 with a visitation starting at 10am. Please share your memories with his family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com