Harry was born December 9, 1934 in Grafton, ND, the son of the late Fred and Pearl (Janikowski) Misialek. He started working at the early age of 11 when he delivered hand bills (ads) door to door for Red Owl. At the age of 12, he went to work for the Walsh County Record Office where he swept floors and offices after school and Saturdays. He also melted lead for castings, along with his paper route for the Grand Forks Herald. Shortly after graduation from Grafton High School at the age of 17 he enlisted in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict. He served with the 7th Fleet in the South Pacific serving in Korea, Japan, China and the Philippines; as well as several other countries. He spent 3 ½ years in the Navy as a radioman; 1 ½ years in the Skaggs Island and 2 years aboard the destroyer USS Richard B. Anderson and the USS Stoddard. Upon his discharge, Harry returned home and started working for Wally's Fairway Foods, where he worked for 41 years. He was united in marriage to Gladys Collette on June 18, 1957 in Grafton, ND.
He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus where he held several offices including Grand Knight. He was awarded the “Knight of the Month” several times and was given the highest award of the state, “ND Knight of the Year.” It was the first one ever awarded. He was also a member of the JC’s, the past president of the Grafton Merchants Committee and served on the Grafton Chamber of Commerce Board. In 1971 he was awarded “Outstanding Employee of the Year” by the Chamber of Commerce.
He was a member of the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton where he volunteered his time and served on many committees including the parish council, finance committee and as an usher and Eucharistic Minister. He was also a lifelong member of the American Legion and the VFW.
He loved to deer hunt with his family; son Wayne, grandsons Brandon and Nick and son-in-law Jeff. He also loved keeping his yard looking nice. He enjoyed playing golf and Pinochle.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Gladys; children: Shelley (Jeff) Bata, Kensal, ND and Wayne (Pam) Misialek, Weatherford, TX; four grandchildren; four great grandchildren; sister Joyce (Val) Sass, Superior, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Dorothy and a set of twins.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, July 11, 2022 at 10:30 AM at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Military rites will be provided by the US Naval Honor Guard and the Grafton American Legion Post #41. Interment will be at the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery of Grafton.