Allen “Hoppy” Harper, 90, of Houghton Lake passed away on Tuesday June 13, 2023 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.
Allen was born on February 7, 1933 in Port Huron, Michigan to Raymond and Loretta (Zimmerman) Harper. Allen graduated from high school in Detroit, shortly after he and his family moved from the Port Huron area. He then served his country stateside in the National guard during the Korean War. Allen took so much pride in his work, regardless of the job he was currently holding. He worked for the Lower Clinton Metropolitan Park during the day and was an officer for the Sumter Township Police Department in the evenings. This is when he met the love of his life, Linda Smiatowicz.The two were married on February 18, 1961 in Petersburg, MI. Spending many years in Southeastern Michigan, and growing their family, they moved to the Houghton Lake area with their two children, Pam and Scott. Allen worked for Akron Contracting when the public sewer system was installed in Houghton Lake. Following his time there, he was a delivery driver for Wilson Dairy for a short time. He found his life long career in trucking soon after. Allen earned his One Million Miles Award with Chemical Leaman Tank Lines, driving for them from 1978 to 1998. Allen enjoyed his retirement for a short time before starting work again. He joined the Roscommon County Transit Authority, driving a minibus for another 20 years, from 1998 until his official retirement in 2018. Although he was employed for most of his life, Allen always found ways to stay involved in his community and to give back. He was a member of the Lake Twp. Fire Department for nearly 50 years. He was a Lake Twp. Trustee for 14 years, he was also on the Lake Twp. Board of Review and Zoning Board. Beyond his involvement in the Township, Allen was a member of The Houghton Lake Moose and Eagle’s Lodges, the Houghton Lake – Lake Association, the National Rifle Association, he volunteered at the River House Women’s Shelter for 10 years, won the Heart of Gold Award from the RTA, and an active member of the Roscommon County Republican Party. When did find free time, he would go hunting or spend time with his family, and especially his grandson, Kyle. He took great pride in his work, both in his career and his work at home. Allen had an extensive garden and a beautiful yard that he worked on with his Pam.
Surviving Allen Harper are his loving Wife of 62 years, Linda Joyce Harper; and his Children, Pamela Harper-Straub, and Scott Harper, grandson; Kyle Straub (Haydon Poole). He was preceded in death by his Parents, Raymond and Loretta Harper; and his Siblings, Raylene, Don, and LouAnn.
Funeral Services for Allen Harper will be held at Christler Funeral Home – Houghton Lake Chapel on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 11:00 am with Rev. Bryan Thompson officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of service. An additional visitation will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Christler Funeral Home – Houghton Lake Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Allen’s life are asked to be directed to his family.
Christler Funeral Home, Houghton Lake Chapel is serving the family.
