Charlotte and Harry Memmer and their beloved Gold Wing motorcyle

Harry Memmer’s widow passes away

Thanks to Ken Krause, former BJ sports editor who lives in Medford, Massachussetts, I didn’t miss the passing of former 44-year BJ mailroom worker Harry Memmer’s widow.

Here is Charlotte’s obituary:

Charlotte Memmer (88) passed away in her sleep on March 30 while visiting in the Florida Keys.

Charlotte was born in Fayetteville, Tenn. and in high school moved to the Ellet area where she remained. She was a homemaker who enjoyed golfing, traveling and reading. She and Harry visited every state, including Alaska on their Goldwing. They were charter members of "Chapter T" and "Chapter P" Goldwing Road Riders Club.

Charlotte enjoyed her family and friends at their cabin in Deep Creek Lake, Md. She and Harry enjoyed more than two decades of winters in Key Largo; many with their friends at WBN.

Preceding her in death was her first husband, Ross Varner and husband of 56 years, Harry Memmer, Jr.; and sons, Roger W. Varner, Richard A. Memmer; and sister, Corneilia Dibble. Surviving are her children, Lorna (Bill) Moore, Norma (John) Gay, Ron (Dee) Memmer, Bill (Terry) Memmer, Carl (Linda) Varner, Jim (Barbara) Memmer, and John Memmer; and numerous grandchildren; stepbrother, Ken Faber; stepsister, Karol (Jim) Simon; and brother-in-law, Wally (Nancy) Memmer.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 21, with a service at 4:30 and the Celebration afterwards at Springfield Sr. Center, 2491 Canfield Rd., Akron, Ohio 44312. Donations may be made to St. Jude's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude's Place, Memphis, TN 38105, ID#11271900.

Published in Akron Beacon Journal from Apr. 15 to Apr. 21, 2018

And here is the June 20, 2015 BJ Alums blog article that Ken provided:

Harry Memmer, mailroom retiree, dies at 88

Beacon Journal mailing room retiree Harry Memmer passed away on Friday. As the obituary below notes, Harry and his wife, Charlotte, were avid motorcyclists. Their bike trip to Alaska in 1998 is partially chronicled on this Fairbanks website.

Harry A. Memmer Jr., 88, passed away peacefully at home with family at his side on June 19, 2015. Harry lived in Ellet his entire life and retired from the Akron Beacon Journal after 44 years. He was a veteran in Korea during World War II. Harry and Charlotte visited every state in the U.S. on their Goldwing motorcycles. Their highlight was their Alaskan trip. They were charter members of "Chapter T and Chapter P Goldwing Road Riders Club." They also enjoyed their time and friends at their cabin in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland. They enjoyed many winters with their WBN friends in Key Largo, Florida. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, working puzzles and cross stitching.

Harry is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Anna Memmer Sr; sister, Jean Lee; first wife, Mary (Higgins); sons, Rick Memmer and Roger Varner. He leaves behind his loving wife of 56 years, Charlotte (Varner); sons, Ron (Dee) Memmer, Bill (Terry) Memmer, Carl (Linda) Varner, Jim (Barbara) Memmer, and John Memmer; daughters, Lorna (Bill) Moore and Norma (John) Gay. He leaves behind 20 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild.

Calling hours will be held on Monday June 22 from 4-7pm with memorial service following at 7pm at Newcomer Funeral Home 131 N. Canton Rd. Akron, OH 44305. Pastor Fred Higgins officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Summa Hospice or a charity of your choice.

RIP, Harry and Charlotte. 

As a long-time motorcyclist, beginning at the age of 38, who never reached Gold Wing status, I envy your accomplishments. 

The most I ever harnessed between my legs was a 250 Benelli, 175 Yamaha, 125 Honda and a Penton off-road dirt bike that we took to New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio.

My late friend, electrician Gene Gray of Cuyahoga Falls, who got me hooked on motorcycles, would be the lead biker and I would be the last biker in a 15-bike caravan through mostly mountain roads and timber trails. 

The Olesky bikes would be strapped inside our camper till we got to the camping site, then unloaded to roam that area.

I still remember the stupid thrill of hitting 85 mph on the Benelli. It was an open, untraveled country road. And the wind into my helmet shield was incredible. But I wouldn’t recommend that anyone imitate that feat.

When Paula and I stay in The Villages, Florida, there’s a Gold Wing Club that takes trips to California and back, among other places. 

Keep in mind that you need to be 55 or older to buy a home in The Villages. It’s common for Villages Gold Wing Club members to be in their 70s.

The Gold Wings run about $30,000 today with 1833 cc engines. The famed Harley Hog in my riding days was about 1200 cc.

Roar up the Stairway to Heaven and through St. Peter's Gold Gates, Harry and Charlotte, with your gold wings. 

And I don't mean only the motorcycle.