Harriet Leah (Clemens) Strieter

Harriet Leah Strieter, age 87, of LaPorte, passed away Thursday, September 23, 2021.

Her life began February 25, 1934 in Knoxville, Iowa, born to Harry “Bop” and Eyeleen Clemens.

Everyone that knew Harriet loved her. She was kind, compassionate, and knew how to make people laugh and feel special. She took the time to listen and gave great advice. Harriet had a heart of gold and loved her family beyond measure. Truly a one-of-a-kind lady.

Harriet was full of life; from the time she was born, she hit the ground running. She had a dream of flying that was inspired by her dad. She desired to be an airline pilot. Sadly, airlines didn’t hire women at that time, but she didn’t let that stop her from pursuing her passion. She went on to become the youngest female pilot in Indiana, as well as, one of the youngest in the country. She was a member of the Ninety-Nines, an international organization of women pilots. Harriet passed on her love of aviation by teaching her sons Mark and Clay to fly. They went on to become pilots for American and Southwest Airlines and she was very proud.

In 1963, Harriet and her husband, Skip, purchased eighty acres on Starr Road in Three Oaks, Michigan. Those that knew them referred to the land as “the pondy.” Many friends and relatives spent their weekends enjoying the cabin and the lake dubbed “Lake Marshall.” There they would have cranes, bulldozers, tractors, horses, motorcycles, pig roasts and live music. They also owned the Village Pump in Three Oaks which blessed them with meeting many lifelong friends throughout their ventures.  Harriet moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, and worked as the entertainment manager of Four Queens Casino. It was there that she met many performers, including The Platters, Frank Sinatra, Jr. and Doug Kershaw. She cherished their friendships and remained close until her passing.  

Harriet will be greatly missed by family and friends.  She is survived by hertwo sons, Mark Strieter of Sawyer; Clay (Tracy) Strieter of Texas; three grandchildren, Brett, Alexandra and Pearl; two great-grandchildren, Knox and Ambrie; the extended Strieter families from LaPorte, Indiana; and the Zimmerman and Clemens families from Illinois.

Harriet was preceded in death by her parents and former husband and loving friend, Skip Strieter.

Family and friends will gather Tuesday, September 28, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Michigan time, in Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, 106 Ash Street East, Three Oaks.  A funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., Michigan time, in the funeral home. 

Harriet will be laid to rest in Patton Cemetery, LaPorte, Indiana.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Harriet be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attention: Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive
Tampa, FL 33607 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harriet Leah (Clemens) Strieter, please visit our floral store.