Dr. Harry D. Niemczyk, 91, of Wooster, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of the Lord on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at his residence following a long illness.
He was born on July 17, 1929 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Walter K. and Helen (Skula) Niemczyk and grew up in Hilliards, Michigan.
He served in the US Air Force in 1946 as Staff Sergeant during the Korean Conflict. During that time, he recorded crucial weather data and later served as Technical Instructor.
He married his childhood sweetheart, Dolores A. Pawlak, on May 3, 1952 in Jackson, Michigan at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church. Over their 66 years of marriage, the two shared many experiences, including traveling worldwide, camping, fishing, hunting, and birdwatching.
In 1962, he earned his PhD in Entomology from Michigan State University. While living in Canada, he became a research scientist for Canada Agriculture in Chatham, Ontario before moving to Wooster in 1964. He then accepted a position as Professor of Entomology at the O.A.R.D.C., a branch of The Ohio State University . Following his retirement in 1994, he continued there as Professor Emeritus.
He was a world-renowned turfgrass consultant and authored two books on destructive turf insects. Harry was also a member of the Entomological Society of America, Musser Intl. Turfgrass Foundation, Intl. Turfgrass Society, and Ohio Turfgrass Foundation.
Harry was a devout Catholic and a member of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Wooster. He was deeply committed to the Blessed Mother and understood that our Lord is physically present in the Holy Sacrament.
An avid angler, Harry fished many bodies of water and was always eager to bring home a catch for a family fish fry. He shared his passion for fishing by introducing numerous budding anglers to the Manistee River in Michigan and was well known as Pierre Z Guide.
Never one to sit back and kick his feet up, Harry diligently planned ahead his entire life. He was a highly motivated individual who always knew there was something more to be done.
He is survived by his four children, Mark Niemczyk of Apple Creek, Sharon Niemczyk of Portland, Oregon , Kathy Kruse of Wooster, and Lisa (wife of Kip) Nussbaum of Orrville; his grandchildren, Laura, Krysta and Anna Niemczyk, Kenneth and Peter Kruse, Sierra, Kylie and Seth Nussbaum.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sister (Dorothy Simpson), and beloved wife, who entered into eternal life in 2018.
Calling hours will be Sunday from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at Custer-Glenn Funeral Home, 2284 Benden Dr., Wooster, The Holy Rosary will take place at 1:30 p.m. (one half hour prior to calling hours.)
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 21 at 1 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Wooster with Fr. Stephen Moran officiating.
Viewing will be at the church one hour prior to the Mass, from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. A private burial will take place at St. Mary Cemetery in Wooster later in the week.
Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to: Trout Unlimited, PO Box 7400 Woolly Bugger, WV 25438-7400.
Custer-Glenn Funeral Home in Wooster is honored with serving the family.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at: www.custerglenn.com.