Harold M. Pospeck

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Harold M. Pospeck, 77, of Ironwood, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2024, at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota.

Harold was the son of Bernard and Catherine and the brother of wonderful siblings and their spouses: Donald (Marvella), Betty Rigoni (Omar), Connie Figuli (Robert), Gerald (Marlene), Henry (Mary), Laura Modjewski (John), Charlotte Wells (Al), James (Patricia) and Darlene Green (Bob). Henry, Laura, Charlotte and Darlene, and their spouses, along with Marlene, survive. A baby brother and sister died in infancy. Brother-in-law, Curt Richards, also survives.

He was raised in Palms Location, attended three of the Bessemer area grade schools and A.D. Johntson High School before voluntarily enlisting in the U.S. Army in February 1966. He was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, as a wheel-vehicle mechanic before deploying to Vietnam. After overseas duty, he returned to Fort Riley where he was honorably discharged at a rank of SP5.

As an adult, he earned his high school diploma from both Ironwood and Bessemer, and was just shy of completing the automotive tech program at Gogebic Community College, when he was called back to work.

In February, Harold was presented with a Quilt of Valor to thank and honor him for his service to our country. The quilt was magnificently crafted by Sharlene Shaffer, local member of the National QOV Foundation. This honor was his most treasured gift.

On Aug. 9, 1969, he was joined in marriage to Connie Richards at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Ironwood. They shared 54 years of a blessed life, having three children: Brian, Bruce and Sheri. Sheri and her husband, Louie Miskovich, were pleased to make him a proud Papa to his precious granddaughters, Katelyn and Laura. Ontonagon, Ironwood and Ashland, Wisconsin, became home, making many good friends along the way.

His employment began at the White Pine Mine as a developmental miner at No. 3 shaft, becoming a driller and blaster underground, and progressing to the surface as a power plant operator until word of the potential closure of that facility. This led to a job at the Bay Front power plant in Ashland, and finally as an operator of the Saxon Falls hydroplant.

Happiest days were spent annually, during two-week-long camping trips at Marion Lake during the Pospeck Family Reunion held over 40 years, with four generations of the family in attendance. Also, camping at Lake Gogebic, Ontonagon County Park and at Crystal Lake (near Sayner, Wisconsin) with family and best friends was very memorable. He was fond of his time spent at deer camp at Al and Bob's and later with Robert at Camp Tally-ho. Coffee times during the mornings of days off were always enjoyed at the Midway in years past.

A celebration of Harold's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Ironwood, officiated by Pastor Pamela Starr. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. that morning. Military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard. A luncheon will follow the service down in the fellowship hall, with heartfelt thanks to all the people who made the luncheon possible.

With grateful hearts we want to thank all of the dedicated people working in the VA system whose skill and care made Harold's life better, our VA counselor, the team of dedicated people doing their very best at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital, and especially for the compassionate care given Harold and our family during his last hours at St. Luke's Hospital. Our deepest gratitude is given to Jerald Rocco of Lakeside Memorial Chapel for providing such kind care and comfort to our family during our time of loss.

By God's grace, Harold was gently taken away from us and carried in his hands to a better place. You'll forever be in our hearts.