Harry Iwasko

1932 - 2017

Harry Iwasko obituary, 1932-2017, Okemos, MI

BORN

1932

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

John N. Santeiu & Son, Inc. - Garden City

1139 N. Inkster Road

Garden City, Michigan

Harry Iwasko Obituary

Iwasko

Harry Junior was born in Detroit in 1932 to Ukrainian immigrants.  His parents, Helen and Harry Sr., were among the first in their respective families to be born free, outside the bonds of serfdom in rural Ukraine.  They used that freedom to travel to America in search of a better life for future generations.  Harry's parents first immigrated to Leadwood, Missouri, where Harry Sr. worked in the lead mines and Helen washed the miners' clothes.  Like many new immigrants, the Iwaskos were soon forced to leave Missouri by the Ku Klux Klan.  Harry's parents eventually settled in Detroit, opening a small tavern on Michigan Avenue.  In Detroit, Harry Sr. became known fondly as the 'Mayor of Michigan Avenue,' due to his affable nature and the friendships he struck with prominent Detroit officials who frequented the 'HI Tavern.' Harry was born at the height of the Great Depression.  He and his sisters Ann and Mary and brother Eugene grew up in poverty in Detroit, though they fared better than their siblings who had died as children from lack of food and medicine in Missouri.  Harry's parents, themselves illiterate in any language, ensured that their son took advantage of the opportunities their new country offered.  Harry was intelligent and hard working from an early age and earned a full academic scholarship to the University of Michigan to study law.  He was graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 1955 at the age of 22 and married his college sweetheart, Betty Joan Semegen, shortly thereafter. Harry devoted his career in the law to helping others.  He joined the Michigan Attorney General's office in 1959 and spent the next 38 years in public service, litigating on behalf of Michiganders.  Harry spoke bluntly and fought hard for the little guy, earning the nickname "Dirty Harry" in the Detroit Free Press.  His career at the AG's office was notable for several important cases, including two before the US Supreme Court.  He ultimately became the Assistant Attorney General of Michigan responsible for commerce, banking and insurance matters and was inducted into the Michigan Insurance Hall of Fame in 2003.  Following his retirement from the AG's office in 1997, Harry served as the General Counsel of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing and was awarded a Commendation by Pope John Paul II for his work on behalf of the church. Harry was admired by family, friends and colleagues for two defining traits: his unwavering integrity and his sense of humor.  Harry always did the right thing, and he usually did it while making those around him smile. Though public service did not make Harry wealthy and he often remarked that he never considered himself much of a success, his work changed the lives of tens of thousands of Michiganders for the better.  Harry was most proud, however, of his two sons, Nicholas and Christian.  Harry worked well into his seventies to help pay for their educations through medical school and law school, respectively.  At the end of his life, Harry took comfort in knowing that his boys enjoyed the kind of success that his own father, Harry Sr., had so desired for future generations. 

Harry passed away on Wednesday, September 7, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan at the age of 85.  He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Joan; his two grateful sons, Nicholas and Christian; and his seven beautiful grandchildren, Antonina, Juliana, Kateryna, Ava, Valentyna, Anastasia and Nicholas William Henry. In lieu of flowers, friends and family are invited to make a small donation to the Zaporuka Foundation (www.globalgiving.org/projects/life-saving-treatment-for-kids-in-ukraine/) in Harry's name. Lansing Visitation: 2-4 PM and 6-8 Monday, September 11, 2017 at Tiffany Funeral Home, 3232 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48917 with Rosary Service at 7 PM.  Detroit Visitation: 3-8 PM Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home, 1139 N. Inkster Rd., Garden City, MI 48135 with Rosary Service at 7 PM. Funeral Gathering and Mass: 10:00 AM Wednesday, September 13, 2017  Gathering followed by 11:00 AM Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Ukrainian Catholic Church, 26667 Joy Rd., Dearborn Heights, MI 48239 www.santeiufuneralhome.com

Published by The Detroit News & Detroit Free Press from Sep. 9 to Sep. 10, 2017.
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Memories and Condolences
for Harry Iwasko

Not sure what to say?





So many memories of you Mr. Iwasko. You will be missed greatly.

Ming Chien

November 4, 2019

Dear Joan,
You were my son, Jonathan's English teacher in Middle School. I saw the obituary in the Lansing State Journal and I was very moved by your husband's family story. it reminded me a little of my grandparent's struggle when they came to the US. Though I think your husband's family endured much more. I extend my condolences to you and your sons and I will pray for you and your family. Thank you for sharing his story. I may see sometimes at the LSO.
Joan Wierzba

Joan Wierzba

September 13, 2017

Harry Iwasko represented the best in Michigan public servants.

Judges who had heard and seen everything while on the bench would immediately listen intently when Harry addressed the court.

His arguments were persuasive, his delivery passionate, his conveyance of information clear, and his knowledge of the law nonpareil. As
such he was able to further cement the public purpose in our State's statutes.

He leaves a legacy of excellence that will live on.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Nancy Baerwtald

September 12, 2017

My sincere condolences to the family may you find comfort in the God of all comfort during this difficult time.

September 12, 2017

On behalf of the Zaporuka Foundation and the kids we support I would like to thank the family Iwasko for support, for remembering Ukraine and for helping Ukrainians. We have never known Harry but seeing how many people are committed to make a donation in his memory we understand that he was a remarkable person. We send our sincere condolences to the Iwasko family from Ukraine, the land of his ancestors. May Harry rest in peace.

Iana Dashkovska

September 12, 2017

Harry was a wonderful person. A true public servant. I worked closely with and sometimes against him for many years in insurance matters. He was always a champion for the people of Michigan. He will be missed...........Mike Zagaroli, Atty.

Mike Zagaroli

September 11, 2017

Joan, Please accept our sympathy on Harry's passing. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Ray and Mary scodeller

September 10, 2017

God bless!!

David Lange

September 9, 2017

To Joan, Chris, and Nick: I'm very deeply saddened at your loss and send you my love, support, and prayers.

Paulette Johnston

September 9, 2017

You are in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. It was a privilege to work for Harry at the Diocese of Lansing. He was intelligent, kind, caring, and I loved his sense of humor. Rest In Peace Harry. "May the angels welcome you to paradise. May the martyrs lead you on your way. May you see the face of the Lord this day. Alleluia, Alleluia,"

Sally Ells

September 9, 2017

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We remember Harry with great pride, love, and admiration. God bless you all.

Barbara and Richard Ruth

September 9, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours in this time of loss, with love and respect.

Tina Iwasko Redwine

September 8, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours in this time of loss, with respect and love.

Tina Iwasko Redwine

September 8, 2017

We are sharing in your sorrow, with love and respect.

Lisa Iwasko -Modzel

September 8, 2017

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Memorial Events
for Harry Iwasko

Sep

11

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Tiffany Funeral Home

3232 W. Saginaw St, Lansing, MI

Sep

11

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Tiffany Funeral Home

3232 W. Saginaw St, Lansing, MI

Sep

11

Rosary

7:00 p.m.

Tiffany Funeral Home

3232 W. Saginaw St, Lansing, MI

Sep

12

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home

1139 N. Inkster Rd, Garden City, MI

Sep

12

Rosary

7:00 p.m.

John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home

1139 N. Inkster Rd, Garden City, MI

Sep

13

Memorial Gathering

10:00 a.m.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Ukrainian Catholic Church

26667 Joy Rd, Dearborn Heights, MI

Sep

13

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Ukrainian Catholic Church

26667 Joy Rd, Dearborn Heights, MI

Funeral services provided by:

John N. Santeiu & Son, Inc. - Garden City

1139 N. Inkster Road, Garden City, MI 48135

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