Loretta F Phelan

Loretta F. Phelan, 96, of St. Joseph passed away Saturday, September 9, 2017, at her home at the Willows, surrounded by her loving family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Funeral Home. Loretta was born to William M. and Myrtle M. (White) Arntz on March 9, 1921 in Burnstad, ND, moving to Benton Harbor when she was age 16.  She was a graduate of St. John Catholic High School and was married to the love of her life, Edward J. (Eddie) Phelan on October 25, 1941, at St. John Catholic Church.  She was predeceased by her parents, her husband and her brothers, Norman, Leonard, Arthur, Marvin and Maurice Arntz and sisters, Edna Pelkey and Gertrude Yeske.  Loretta is survived by her five children, Karen E. Phelan (Gary Parish) of Eaton Rapids, MI, E. Mike (Diane) Phelan of St. Joseph, Thomas W. (Kelly) Phelan of Hendersonville, NC, Pattie L. Phelan of Lowell, IN, and James L. (Deronda) Phelan of Myrtle Beach, SC; 14 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild,  and her “partner-in-crime” at the Willows, Dorothy Toland. After raising her children, Loretta worked as a secretary for Whirlpool Corporation.  Upon her retirement, she volunteered at the Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen, St. John’s Community Center, Krasl Art Center, Literacy Council for St. John’s, AmVets, Tri-Ginta Club, Whirlpool Retirees and Morton House and she and Eddie traveled extensively. She was a life member of the Musician’s Union and often accompanied Eddie on the piano while he sang his “Irish” songs. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her “GG.”  A special thanks goes out to the Willows and Hospice staff. A Celebration of Life and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 o’clock p.m. Friday, September 15, 2017 at St. John Catholic Church, 600 Columbus Ave., Benton Harbor, with Rev. Michael Rejent officiating.  Cremation will take place immediately following the funeral with burial at a later date at Calvary Cemetery, Benton Harbor.  Friends and family may visit from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, September 14, 2017 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m.  Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John Catholic Church (of which she was an 80 year member) or Caring Circle Hospice.