Richard L. VanHoedt

Richard L. VanHoedt, 69, of St. Joseph, passed away Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at Road to Life Church, 3800 Niles Road, St. Joseph with Rev. Michael Schoeplein officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma with military rites conducted by the North Berrien Military Rites Team.  Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. on Friday, September 23, 2016 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph.  Memorials may be made to Road to Life Church or Michigan Diabetes Association.  Those wishing to sign Richard’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Richard was born November 1, 1946 in Mishawaka, IN to Leon & Helen (DeKan) VanHoedt. He graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1964.  On December 27, 1975 he married Linda Pesko in South Bend, IN.  Richard worked at Whirlpool as an offset printer for 23 years.  He was a fan of the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Bears.  He also cheered for the St. Joseph Bears and Notre Dame.  Richard was a member of the Stevensville American Legion Post 568 and Road to Life Church.  He truly loved the Lord and had a heart of gold. Richard is survived by his wife, Linda; brother, Michael (Diane) VanHoedt of Florida; mother-in-law, Anna Pesko of St. Joseph; nieces & nephews -Amy VanHoedt, Teresa (Kevin) Taylor and Scott (Lesli) Bicknell, Michael & Kevin Hesch; and his loving church family.  Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law Alex Pesko.