Obituary of Wilho E. Harju

Wilho E. Harju, 95, a lifelong resident of Carver, passed away on July 25, 2014. Son of the late Fiilus and Lempi Makela Harju. Beloved husband of 68 years to Lillian (Langevin) Harju. Loving father to Lawrence C. Harju and his wife Jane of Middleboro, Elaine Akers and her husband Tom of Middleboro, Paul Harju and his wife Linda of Plympton, and Richard Harju and his wife Terry of Middleboro. Brother of the late Ellen Mackey, Toivo, Reino and Eino Harju, survived by his sister Gertrude Rinne of Middleboro. Cherished grandfather of 12, great grandfather of 27, and great-great grandfather of 1. Mr. Harju is also survived by several nieces and nephews, as well as his god daughter Susan Pratt Higley. Mr. Harju was an Army Air Corp Veteran who served during World War II and served in the Pacific Theater in New Guinea, Soloman Islands, and the Philippines. Mr. Harju was a lifelong cranberry grower and grower, owner of Ocean Spray Cranberry Inc.. Was also a longtime member and former board of director of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association. He was very proud of his Finnish heritage and at the age of 89 wrote a book, History of the Finnish Settlers of Carver, Massachusetts. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, July 28th, from 4-8:00 PM at the Shepherd Funeral Home, 116 Main St (rt. 58) Carver. A funeral service will be held at the United Parish Church in Carver on Tuesday, July 29th at 10:00 AM. Interment will be at the Union Cemetery in Carver. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Alzheimer's Assoc, at we.alz.org.