Obituary for Heinrich (Henry) Harich

Heinrich (Henry) Harich, age 81, from Spearfish, SD passed away on[ October 4, 2023, at Fort Mead in Sturgis where he was being taken care of by the wonderful staff over the last 1 ½ years.

Henry was born on February 7, 1942, in Mramorak, Yugoslavia to Karl Harich and Eva (Schick) Harich. He moved with his parents to the United States in March of 1957, where he went to Belmont High in Los Angeles.  He joined the Navy tight after graduation where he served from 1961 to 1965 on the USS Cabildo during the Vietnam conflict. While serving in the military he met the love of his life, Alyce (Schmit) at the Arthur Murray dance studio in Long Beach, CA.  They were married in Alyce’s hometown of Andover, SD on December 3, 1967. They purchased their first home in Long Beach where they lived and raised their family until he retired from General Telephone Company (GTE), where he worked after leaving the Navy. After retirement they moved to their home on Spearfish in 2000.

Henry was born on February 7, 1942, in Mramorak, Yugoslavia to Karl Harich and Eva (Schick) Harich. He moved with his parents to the United States in March of 1957, where he went to Belmont High in Los Angeles.  He joined the Navy tight after graduation where he served from 1961 to 1965 on the USS Cabildo during the Vietnam conflict. While serving in the military he met the love of his life, Alyce (Schmit) at the Arthur Murray dance studio in Long Beach, CA.  They were married in Alyce’s hometown of Andover, SD on December 3, 1967. They purchased their first home in Long Beach where they lived and raised their family until he retired from General Telephone Company (GTE), where he worked after leaving the Navy. After retirement they moved to their home on Spearfish in 2000. 

Henry belonged to the Long Beach stamp club for many years. Anyone who knew him, knew he loved collecting stamps of all kinds, new, used, it didn’t matter to him, just the one he liked.  He also loved to fish, he always said, it’s called fishing, not catching” since his luck was never that great!  Animals of all kinds loved Henry as much as he loved them. He would carry a small kitten and rough house with a big dog, he loved them all! He was a jack of all trades, taking apart and fixing things from a simple blender to his 1965 Mustangs. His passion for that has passed on to his kids. He was an amazing dad who would take you fishing, dress up and take you to a dance, or just work on a car with you. He loved to laugh and would often play practical jokes.  He was close to his children, grandchildren, and in-laws, leaving an impression that will be passed on for generations to come. 

Henry is survived by his wife Alyce, his brother Johann (Debra) Harich, His children Bryan Harich, Maria (Mike) McKnight, William (Victoria) Harich and Chrystina Harich.  He leaves behind grandchildren Karl (Carrie) McKnight, Willow Boe, Jacquelynn McKnight, Jackson Harich, Reagan Harich, Dean Harich and one great grandchild Skyla McKnight.  He was preceded in death by his father and mother.