Harold Mark Grabemeyer

Harold M. Grabemeyer, 67, of Dowagiac, passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2019, at Spectrum Health Lakeland in St. Joseph. Harold was born January 25, 1952, in Dowagiac, to Richard and Dorothy (Jones) Grabemeyer. He graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1970. Harold earned a bachelor's degree in agriculture from Michigan State University. On August 7, 1976, he married the love of his life, Diane Hall in Lansing. Harold operated his family farm in Dowagiac for over 20 years, before shifting his focus to computers, discovering his natural talent for teaching. He then taught full time at Southwestern Michigan College while earning his Master’s degree in education from Ferris State. Harold always said he first followed in his father's footsteps by farming, then in his mother's footsteps by teaching, as she taught for Eau Claire Schools. He was an avid Michigan State and Detroit Tigers fan. His passion for whatever he was doing, encouraged everyone around him. Most of all he loved his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His incredible patience, love of communication, and eternally positive attitude in the face of adversity and challenge will continue to be an inspiration for us all. Harold is survived by his loving wife, Diane; children, Aaron (Noreen) Grabemeyer of Dowagiac and Mollie Grabemeyer of Dowagiac; grandchildren, Isaac and Connie Grabemeyer; siblings, Dawn (Joanne Buckley) Grabemeyer, Eldon Grabemeyer and June Grabemeyer; nephew Mike Grabemeyer and niece Andi Grabemeyer; Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Dorothy Grabemeyer. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2019, from 2:00PM until 4:00PM at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St. Dowagiac. Memorial contributions in Harold’s name may be made to Michigan State University Student Food Bank, or Southwestern Michigan College Visual and Performing Arts Department. Those wishing to leave a condolence online may do so at www.clarkch.com.