Starks Menchinger Chapel

Gaynel Henke, 74, of Kalamazoo, MI passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo surrounded by her family. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M., Monday, February 24, 2025 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Service, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M., Sunday, February 23, 2025 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Those wishing to share a memory of Gaynel online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Gaynel was born March 10, 1950 in Benton Harbor, MI to Myron &...

Our Savior has prepared a place in Heaven for Susan Batsky. It was ready. He also has prepared her for this heavenly place with the blessed assurance of everlasting life through faith in Him. She was ready. She entered Heaven Sunday, February 16, 2025, while under hospice care at Corewell Hospital, St. Joseph. Susan Rae Batsky of St. Joseph Michigan, was born July 21, 1953, in Lincoln Nebraska, to Ray and Virginia (Hoffman) Haack. She was baptized into the Christian faith August 30, 1953, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lincoln, and confirmed her faith May 28, 1967, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Walton, Nebraska. On August 16, 1980, she married Thomas E. Batsky at Christ Lutheran Church in...

Our Savior has prepared a place in Heaven for Susan Batsky. It was ready. He also has prepared her for this heavenly place with the blessed assurance of everlasting life through faith in Him. She was ready. She entered Heaven Sunday, February 16, 2025, while under hospice care at Corewell Hospital, St. Joseph. Susan Rae Batsky of St. Joseph Michigan, was born July 21, 1953, in Lincoln Nebraska, to Ray and Virginia (Hoffman) Haack. She was baptized into the Christian faith August 30, 1953, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lincoln, and confirmed her faith May 28, 1967, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Walton, Nebraska. On August 16, 1980, she married Thomas E. Batsky at Christ Lutheran Church in...

Shirley Charlotte (Hensley) Kavanaugh, 81, of Dowagiac, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Hanson Hospice in Stevensville. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 6 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. Tom Bird officiating. Friends may visit prior to the service from 4 P.M. - 6 P.M. A private burial at Indian Lake Cemetery in Dowagiac will take place later. Memorials in Shirley's name may be made to Hanson Hospice Center or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Those wishing to sign Shirley's Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Shirley was born July 13, 1943 in...

Sherry Duprey Dine, 54, formerly of Grand Rapids passed away Saturday, February 8, 2025 in Berrien Springs. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 A.M. Friday, February 14, 2025 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware, Benton Harbor. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M. Thursday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Those wishing to sign Sherry's Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Sherry was born May 25, 1970 in Grand Rapids to Robert & Kathy (Dart) Duprey. She graduated from Ottawa Hills High School, Class of 1988, from Grand Valley State University & from Indiana University at South Bend ...

James Hansen, 84, of Stevensville, MI passed away Sunday, October 27, 2024 at A Place Called Home in Stevensville. James was born January 23, 1940 in Ludington, MI to Melvin & Ellen (Ohman) Hansen; Following graduation James served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1958 until 1961 and then married JoAnn Rosolik. James worked for Al's Supermarket for many years as a Butcher. He enjoyed taking drives by the lake, going on walks, trips to the casino and going out to eat. James is survived by his daughter Debbie (Ken) Reiter; son James Hansen; five grandchildren James, Joshua, Jessica, Shane and Brandi; 2 great grandchildren and a sister Donna Melson. James was preceded...

Alex Wolford, 28, of Stevensville passed away in a tragic accident on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 9, from noon to 3 p.m. at the FOP 96, 2665 Niles Road, St. Joseph MI. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Alex was born on August 16, 1995 in Charleston SC. He later moved to Mishawaka IN and graduated from Penn High School in 2014. Alex pursued his profession as an electrician at Weaver Electric & Heating Corporation and Misch Manufacturing Company. He has been part of the IBEW Local 153 Union for the past 5 years, working on many construction projects throughout the region. Alex met...

Patricia M. Kliemann, 80, of Mishawaka, IN, formerly of Coloma, MI, passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at her home. The family will be receiving guests from 12pm until time of celebration of life service at 1pm, Monday, July 15, 2024 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. Burial to follow at North Shore Memory Gardens, Coloma. Arrangements entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 269-556-9450. Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, IN 46637. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for the family may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Pat was born April 22, 1944 in Sault Ste. Marie, MI to...

Paul E. VandeKoppel, 92, of St. Joseph, died, Sunday, July 7, 2024 in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 12, 2024 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the Family from 9:30 until 11:00 A.M. Friday at the funeral home. Memorial donations in Paul's name may be made to First Church of God Endowment Fund or to Samaritan's Purse. Those wishing to sign Paul's Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Richard Newton Dowsett, 93, of St. Joseph and Dowagiac passed away to his heavenly home on June 21, 2024. A funeral service will be held at 12:00pm on Monday, July 1, 2024 at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 4071 Naomi Rd, Sodus, with the Reverend Mikki Collins officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 10:30am until the service begins at the church. A private burial service will be held at Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph. Arrangements entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 269-556-9450. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for the family may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Memorial Contributions may be made to Chapel Hill United Methodist Church at 4071 Naomi...

Dorwin Ralph Nelson, 87, of Stevensville, formerly South Bend, passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Royalton Manor, St. Joseph. A celebration of life gathering will take place from 2-4 pm on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Hickory Bluff Cemetery, Stevensville. Memorial contributions in Dorwin's name, may be made to Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Dorwin was born on March 12, 1937, to Ralph and Eva (Stauffacher) Nelson in South Bend. He graduated from Riley High School in the class of 1955. Dorwin continued his...

Harry J. Zmyslo of Stevensville, Michigan passed peacefully on June 12, 2024 after a long and productive life. Harry was born in South Bend, Indiana on April 6, 1928 to Frank and Harriet (Maj) Zmyslo. He enlisted in the Army in 1944 at age 16 to serve his country, but a tank accident kept him stateside. On June 18, 1949 he married Lottie L. Kowalski and she survives. He is also survived by his daughter Jacqueline Dunafin (Stephen) of Benton Harbor, MI, son Dennis Zmyslo (Laura) of Stevensville, 4 grandchildren, 11 great grands and 3 great-great grands. A sister Ann Zmyslo of South Bend, Indiana also survives. He is preceded in death by their angel ? infant daughter Vicky and his siblings...

Sara Jane Collins, 97, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at her home in Stevensville. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, July 16 at 2 PM at Stevensville United Methodist Church, 5506 Ridge Rd., Stevensville, Michigan, with Pastor Elise Low Edwardson officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date in Benona Township Cemetery near Shelby, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to Stevensville United Methodist Church or The Fellowship of Worship Artists. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Sara was born March 3, 1927 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to John and Dorris (Knapp) McDonald. In 1944, she graduated from Eaton...

Brian Joseph Rodgers passed away on May 16th with his loving family by his side. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, the first-born son of Joseph Miller and Dorothy Olson Rodgers. Brian had an idyllic Midwestern childhood growing up sailing, skiing, and enjoying family vacations every summer in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. As a teenager, he began to develop an interest and impressive knowledge of cars when he purchased his first one?a Teal Blue 1968 Chevy Camaro. After graduating from Fairmont West High School in 1973, he attended two years of college before moving to South Bend, Indiana, where he started work at Gates Chevrolet. It was at Gates that he also met the love of his life and future wife,...

Gladys J Pickering, a lifelong resident of Michigan died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, May 6, 2024. Gladys was born March 27, 1935, in Alpena to the late Henry and Alda Kann. She married the love of her life, Keith Pickering on December 14, 1963 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Eastpointe. She was unmatched in her skills as a secretary and as a cradle to grave Lutheran served the Lord faithfully in this vocation both professionally and as a volunteer. Gladys brought laughter and love to all she met. She is survived by her daughter, Tracie (Marty) Berghaus, son Eugene (Cathy) Pickering and 4 grandchildren Clare and Tanner Berghaus, and Megan and Madison Pickering, a niece...

Nathan "Nate" Scherer was born on August 8, 2000, in Kalamazoo, MI, the son of John Scherer III and Laura Hopson. Nate loved sports, especially football, baseball, and basketball. He attended Hartford Public Schools, where his love for sports and many lifelong friends were first introduced. Nate also loved Michigan State, the Chicago Bulls, NASCAR, and the UFC. He had a passion for farming and hunting with his Dad and cousins. Nate dedicated his career to working on his Grandparent's farm, learning the ins and outs from his Dad, with hopes of someday running it himself. Nate enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, bonfires, going on car rides, and listening to country music. More than anything, Nate...

Meredith Fowler of St. Joseph, MI passed away at Provision Living on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, at the age of 93. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday, April 20 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI with a luncheon to follow. Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, April 20 at 11:00am until the time of the service. The family requests any memorial contributions be made to Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester, MI or a charity of your choice. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Meredith was born on October 14, 1930, in Evanston, IL to Lyman Barr and Lucy...

Meredith Fowler of St. Joseph, MI passed away at Provision Living on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, at the age of 93. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday, April 20 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI with a luncheon to follow. Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, April 20 at 11:00am until the time of the service. The family requests any memorial contributions be made to Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester, MI or a charity of your choice. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Meredith was born on October 14, 1930, in Evanston, IL to Lyman Barr and Lucy...

Kevin Matthew Charkowski, 60, of Benton Harbor, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Hanson Hospice in Stevensville, MI. The family will receive guests from 11am until time of celebration of life service at 12pm, Friday, February 23, 2024 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Interment will be held privately. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for the family may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Kevin was born November 19, 1963 in Kalamazoo, MI to Larry and Sunny (Wilkins) Charkowski. He graduated from Plainwell High School before attending...

Thomas Andrew Shortlidge, Award-Winning Creative Director (1943-2024) Tom Shortlidge, passed away on January 30th, 2024, at home in Lakeside, MI surrounded by his loving family after a year-long battle with cancer. Tom is survived by his wife Carole Shortlidge, daughter Chelsea (Tony Comer) Shortlidge, son Adam (Irene) Shortlidge, stepdaughter Laura (Bob) Kimball, brother Neil (Renee) Shortlidge, and grandchildren Chase Comer, Emma and Dylan Shortlidge, and Jack and Will Kimball. Tom was always a devoted husband and proud father and grandfather who will be sorely missed. Tom was born in 1943 in Fort Pierce, FL, to Frazer and Olga Shortlidge. He studied Graphic Design at Kansas...

Karel Kay (Collings) Finch (Commonly referred to as 'Sis', 'Auntie', and 'Gram'), age 82, of Eau Claire, MI, passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024. Karel was born to Gary Lee and Edna Esther (Robinson) Collings on November 14, 1941, in La Porte, IN. Karel is predeceased by her sister, Phyllis Collings and her brother, Wayne Collings, and both of her parents. Karel is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years, Dennis Dean Finch, a Walkerton boy whom she met in 1958 in Fish Lake, IN and wed on June 20, 1959. She is also survived by her three children whom she cherished, Roger (Kim) Finch, Jeff (Dawn) Finch, Kim (John) Kerkemeyer. She will also be sadly missed by her 6 grandchildren,...