Marlin Ray ‘Sug’ Harroff

Marlin Ray “Sug” Harroff, a devoted father, loyal friend and steady presence to all who knew him, passed away peacefully at 5:45 p.m. on June 8, 2026, after a long illness, surrounded by loved ones.
Born in Buchanan, Mich., on Aug. 19, 1939, Ray lived a life defined by quiet strength, generosity and unwavering integrity.
Ray was the son of the late Gertrude Harroff. During his high school years, he moved to Tippecanoe to live with his Uncle Just and Aunt Bea — a chapter that forever shaped his future, as it was there that he met the love of his life, Rose. They would share 66 years of marriage built on devotion, partnership and deep affection.
Ray approached every chapter of his life with humility and purpose. As one of the founders of Biomet, he helped build a company that would go on to change countless lives in the medical world. Despite his accomplishments, he carried his success lightly, always more interested in people than in recognition.
He was generous in every sense — with his time, his help, and his attention. His wit was sharp, his humor dry and his timing impeccable. Ray had a way of delivering a one‑liner that could catch you off guard and leave you laughing long after the moment passed.
Outside of work, Ray found joy on the golf course. After retiring, he and Rose bought V&B Golf Course, a little nine‑hole gem they quickly fell in love with. What began as a simple passion project became a place of joy and connection. Ray cherished the course’s charm and character, and he loved it so much that he later built a championship‑level course — Stonehenge Golf Club.
Stonehenge became a second home to him and a gathering place for friends, family and the community. Ray and Rose proudly hosted the Stonehenge Pro‑Am charity events, bringing people together for causes that mattered. Ray also supported the Evans Scholarship for caddies, helping young men and women pursue education and opportunity. Both Little Stonehenge and Stonehenge reflected Ray’s desire to share his love of the game and bring something lasting and meaningful to the Warsaw community.
Ray’s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his wife, Rose (Blackford); his four children: Kim Lange (Loren), Amy Stephenson (Bill), Pamela Huskey (Lonnie) and Mark Harroff (Susan); and his grandchildren: Justin Howell, Derek Howell, Lonnie Huskey, Adam Huskey, David Huskey, Jackson Stephenson, Jourdin Stephenson, Corrie Reddick, Makayla Brenigan, Mathew Lange and Amber Lange. He also leaves behind 20 great‑grandchildren. Ray is survived by his siblings: Pat, Doris, Dean, and his twin brother, Jay; and was preceded in death by his siblings: Ruth, Bob and Bill.
Ray’s life was one of generosity, resilience, humor and quiet wisdom — gifts he shared freely and leaves behind for all who knew him. His spirit will continue on in the way his family loves, lives, and cares for one another. Family and friends may visit prior to the service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 20 at Redpath-Fruth-Byers Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Ray’s life will be celebrated immediately following visitation at 1 p.m. at the funeral home and officiated by Pastor Chris Hurst.
Memorial donations in Ray’s memory may be directed to Evans Scholars Foundation, 2501 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, IL 60026, please note in memo line “in memory of Marlin Ray ‘Sug’ Harroff.” You may donate online at www.wgaesf.org/memorialgifts; or to the American Heart Association, 8720 Castle Creek Parkway East Drive, Ste 100, Indianapolis, IN 46250.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com