Gerald Francis Harten, age 78 of Harrison Township, passed away Thursday morning  at McLaren Macomb, Mount Clemens.

He was born June 18, 1947 to James and Lillian Harten in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. On March 8, 1991 Gerald was united in marriage with Mary Purcell in Daytona Beach, Florida during the 50th anniversary of Biker Week.

Gerald attended South Lake High School and was a 1965 graduate of Utica High School. He was employed at Chrysler Corporation for four years, and retired after 31 years as a millwright for the Ford Motor Company Local 400 Utica Trim Plant, he also worked at the Mount Clemens Vinyl Plant and Mount Clemens Paint Plant. He was a veteran of the United States Army from 1968 - 1970,  who served in the 2nd - 32nd Field Artillery with the Proud American Group. Gerald was a charter member of the VVA Chapter #154, Mount Clemens, a life member of AmVet Post #29, and a member of American Legion Post #4, VFW #1146 Bruce Post, F.O.E #1269, Moose Lodge in Mount Clemens, the  Grand Voyager 40/8, and a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, Mount Clemens. Mr. Harten was an avid deer hunter, ice fisherman, enjoyed working on his Harley, riding motorcycles, boating, and doing living history re-enacting. Gerald also enjoyed traveling in the 5th Wheel and Harley Trike going cross country during the winter months. He was a longtime ice hockey player.  Gerald was a good friend, who was loved by all.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; 3 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; sister, Sharon Stein; brother, Jack Harten; brother in law, Tom Purcell; daughter in law, Shawn King-Harten; nephew Bill Masching; niece, Kris Purcell; two children from a past marriage, Gerald A. and Jennifer Ivey, and many other nieces and nephews. Gerald was predeceased by his parents, James and Lillian Harten; brothers, James, Dave and Larry Harten; parents in law, Red and Joann Purcell; brothers in law, Bernie Purcell and Fred Stein Sr. (retired Roseville detective),  and nephew, Timmy Purcell.

Visiting will take place at Will and Schwarzkoff Funeral Home, 233 Northbound Gratiot, Mount Clemens on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 5, 2026 at St. Peter Catholic Church, 95 Market Street, Mount Clemens.

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