Harry R. Voss

Harry R. Voss, 91, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, mentorship, leadership, humility and quiet strength. Born on October 25, 1934, in Muskegon, MI, to Sarah and Cornelius Vos, Harry lived a life defined by service, connection, and joy.

At the heart of Harry’s life was his deep love for his family. He was the devoted husband of Marilyn (Mimi), whom he met in Muskegon when Mimi was a nurse in the emergency room at Hackley Hospital. They married in 1965 and spent 61 wonderful years together living in North Muskegon, and later in life spending winters in Florida, before relocating permanently to The Villages, FL. Harry was a proud and loving father to his daughters Ann (Brad) and Liz (Dave), and a cherished grandfather to Nicole, who brought him immense joy and pride. He was also very proud of Ann’s stepchildren, Olivia and Evan. Family was his anchor, and he showed his love not only through words, but through his steady presence, encouragement, and unwavering support.

Harry’s life was marked by his passion for teaching, coaching, and guiding young people. He dedicated his career to education as a teacher at North Muskegon High School and as a longtime guidance counselor at Reeths-Puffer High School, where he shaped countless lives. To Harry, students were never just names on a roster — they were individuals with potential, deserving of patience, respect, and belief. Many students carried his lessons far beyond the classroom.

A natural athlete and lifelong sportsman, Harry’s love for athletics was woven into nearly every chapter of his life. He was a proud member of the Muskegon High School football team, which won the Michigan State Football Championship in 1951. After high school, he was the quarterback for Hope College, winning the MIAA Football Championship in 1953 as a freshman. His passion for sports extended into coaching and mentorship as an assistant coach and football statistician for Reeths-Puffer High School. He also taught tennis, served as a high school basketball referee, worked as a lifeguard in Muskegon, and was a ski club leader — always finding ways to teach, encourage, and connect through sports.

Even beyond organized athletics, Harry remained active and competitive well into later life, playing racquetball at the Muskegon YFCA and league softball in North Muskegon. He greatly enjoyed golf, and playing on the Viking golf league in Muskegon, and was proud to have golfed his age playing 18 holes a couple times. For him, sports were never just about winning — they were about discipline, teamwork, friendships, and fun.

Harry’s commitment to his community was just as strong as his devotion to education and athletics. He and Mimi were longtime members of the Viking Lodge #57 in Muskegon and enjoyed close friendships with many members. Harry served for many years as Chairman of the Recreation Board for the City of North Muskegon, where his leadership helped shape recreational programs and opportunities for countless families and young people. His service reflected his deep belief in building strong, healthy communities and creating spaces where people could grow, connect, and thrive.

Harry also was an avid music aficionado. He particularly enjoyed classical, jazz and big band music. As a young man, he sang in the Muskegon Cosmopolitan Male Singers, known as the Cosmops, for several years with his dear lifelong friend, Jerry Joneson. He also sang with the Viking choir, Invandrana, later in life.

What truly set Harry apart was his personality. Friendly, outgoing, and endlessly kind, he had a way of making people feel comfortable the moment they met him. He never met a stranger, and conversations with Harry often ended in laughter, encouragement, or thoughtful reflection. He was generous with his time, quick to help, and always willing to listen. His steady positivity, sense of humor and gentle wisdom left a lasting mark on everyone he encountered.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Paul (Marilyn) and Luann. Though deeply missed, his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched — as a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, teacher, coach, mentor, community leader, teammate, and friend. Harry’s life reminds us that true success is measured not by accolades, but by the love we give, the lives we uplift, and the example we leave behind.

A reception to celebrate Harry’s life is planned at the Viking Lodge at 3132 Lakeshore Drive in Muskegon, MI on Saturday, July 11, at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Harry’s honor to the Muskegon High School Big Red Athletic Foundation online or sent to 80 W. Southern Ave., Muskegon, MI  49941. Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449. Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.