Harold Hochmuth

Harold Paul Hochmuth, age 86 years formerly of Niles, Michigan died unexpectedly, but peacefully Monday morning at his home in Paw Paw, Michigan of natural causes.

He was born on October 10, 1930 in Niles to Richard Paul and Fairy Fern (Hicks) Hochmuth. He was graduated from Niles High School and went to work as a draftsman for the former Niles plant of the Kawneer Corporation. He then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and was honorably discharged as a veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was a talented draftsman and engineer, and was employed in several companies, eventually settling at Special-Lite, Inc. in Decatur, Michigan from which he retired. He has lived in Paw Paw since 1978.

Harold’s engineering skills led to an invention which earned a United States Patent. He was a member of the American Legion Post #26 in Niles. He and his wife had traveled extensively, including several foreign destinations. He also enjoyed running, had completed the Boston Marathon, and continued to compete locally in his late 70’s.

On July 11, 1953 he married the former Patricia Ann “Pat” Grathwohl with whom he celebrated the fifty-ninth anniversary of their wedding prior to her death. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Malone.

Surviving family includes his children, Rae Jean (& Mitchell) Rhoads of New Florence, Missouri, Lynn Marie Moore and Lisa Ann Hochmuth, both of Paw Paw, and Jeff Paul Hochmuth of Lawrence, Michigan; grandchildren Joshua Paul Hochmuth, Darryl Lee Rhoads, Jaime Lynn (& Michael) James, and Nathan Daniel Rhoads; great-grandchildren Zachary and MacKenzie; and Harold’s brother, Raymond (& Betty) Hochmuth of Portage, Michigan and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Harold Hochmuth will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 21, 2016 at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Raymond Fulbright of Saint John’s United Church of Christ officiating. Committal will follow at the graveside in Mission Hills, and will conclude with the Veteran’s Flag Presentation and “Taps” by the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.