Stages of Harry Jarkey's life are marked in a tribute book published by his daughters. JARKEY DIES AT 100: Beloved Comedian's Ashes to be Spread on Saginaw Bay
June 5, 2014
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Well-known comedian Harry Jarkey passed away June 1, 2014 in Palm Springs, California, two months shy of his 101st birthday.
According to his wishes, he will be cremated and his ashes spread on Saginaw Bay near Wenona Beach, site of the casino where he performed for several decades, according to his longtime friend, retired automotive executive Jerry Jopke, of Bay City.
Harry's survivors are his daughters Linda Jarkey and Julie Jarkey-Kozlowski (Ron Kozlowski), and Joanne Leduman, his loving partner of 45 years.
Detroit newspapers recalled "Harry is best remembered for his shows on WXYZ-TV: "Our Friend Harry," and "Fun House," and his long time association with Wenona Beach Casino in Bay City.
"Harry performed throughout Asia and the United States, and left a legacy of laughter and love."
Donations may be made to the charity of your choice, however Harry's favorite cause was St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. - See more at: http://deathnotices.michigan.com/view-single.php?id=343918#sthash.3hveGYRe.dpuf
His daughters produced an 84-page full color tribute book on Harry's life, family and friends in honor of his 100th birthday, Aug. 11, 2013. It included many scenes of Bay Cityans enjoying Harry's shows at Wenona Beach.
Harry was born in Nashville, Tennessee to Anna Bittner and Nathan Bloch. Harry was three years old when his father died. He was adopted by his step-father Sam Jarkey.
Harry began performing in high school with his sister Estelle as "the peppiest pair," and was president of the Dramatic Club. He became known as master of ceremonies at Walk-a-Thon events in Hollywood attended by stars such as Jack Benny, George Burns and Gracie Allen, Joe E. Brown and Eddie Cantor.
His nightclub career began to take off at the Club Gloria in Columbus, Ohio. He met Jennie Marchione, a dancer at the Fox Theater, Detroit, and the pair were married 27 years.
Harry's friendship with Amos Jacobs, aka Danny Thomas, began when they lived at the Detroiter hotel. While playing the Bowery on Joseph Campau, he was described in the press as "Detroit's favorite comedian."
He traveled the nation, appearing with the likes of Andy Griffith and Bob Hope. "And then there was Bay City," the book headlined, spreading a melange of photos from the Wenona Beach days where Harry drew huge crowds for 30 years.
In the Army during World War II, Harry was assigned to radio communications. He served three years until the war ended in 1945.
Linda Jarkey was born in Bay City in 1949 and Julie was also a Bay City native, born in 1952, both delivered by Dr. Howard Knoblauch and greeting the world during the summer season when Daddy was knocking 'em dead at the casino here.
The casino was several stories high and hosted Vaudeville performers, roller skaters, big band dances and even operas. Trains brought scads of tourists from populations centers of the Midwest to enjoy the bay breezes, and Harry.
In the winters, Harry had a show on WXYZ Radio, Detroit, and entertained at the Elmwood Casino in Windsor, Canada, across the river.
Harry's second cousin, Dinah Shore (Fanny Rose Bittner), made guest appearances on Harry's show, along with stars like Jimmy Durante.
Harry worked Wenona Beach Memorial Day through Labor Day and then headed south to appear in Atlanta, Tampa and Miami.
Jennie died of a heart attack in 1968 when Harry was on a tour of the Far East.
When Harry met beautiful singer Joni Whitman in New Orleans, that started a 40 year love affair that continued until his death.
The pair moved to Palm Springs, California, near his friend Danny Thomas. He often entertained visitors from Bay City like Bernie Surath and Jerry Jopke. Among other Bay City friends were Dr. Janet Jopke, Al and Pat Singer and Bill and Audrey Walker.
He returned to Bay City many times, appearing with old friend, bandleader Dick Jessup and continuing to wow the crowds every time.
Harry celebrated his 90th birthday in Las Vegas with scores of friends and when he hit 100 State Rep. Charles Brunner sponsored a tribute adopted by the Michigan Legislature.
Harry never made it to his 101st birthday, but his friends no doubt will remember it with sadness, and joy for having known him.
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