Erwin H. Kreter

Erwin H. Kreter, 87, of St. Joseph went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, July 9, 2016. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 619 Main St., St. Joseph, Thursday, July 14, 2016 at 11:00 AM, with Pastor Michael Roth officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery where Military Rites will be conducted by North Berrien Military Rites Team.  Friends may visit with the family Wednesday from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Hospice at Home. Those wishing to sign Erwin‘s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Erwin was born on April 8, 1929 to Edwin & Alma (Rosen) Kreter in St. Joseph, Michigan. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1947 where he spoke fondly of his day’s running track. In the early 1950’s Uncle Sam gave him a call so he served proudly in the United States Army during the Korean War. After being discharged he returned home to marry the love of his life, Theone “Toni” Seaburg, on March 21, 1953 at Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph.  He served in many roles in his 38 years at the Whirlpool Corporation, with his most recent being the Communications and Public Relations Manager for the St. Joseph Division, before retiring in 1987. His joys and priorities in life were his family. Erwin’s unwavering and dedicated commitment to Toni was a true love story. After she suffered a debilitating stroke ten years ago his role also became caretaker and their love only grew stronger. After Toni passed on May 31 of this year the loss was too great for Erwin to bear and he suffered a major stroke on July 8.  The legacy he has left his family and everyone he touched was a lesson in how you love and care for your family. Erwin is survived by his two sons, Mark (Cathy) Kreter of Battle Creek, MI and Robert “Bob” (Susan) Kreter of Byron Center, MI; three grandsons, Kevin and Kris Kreter of Dallas, TX and David Kreter of Byron Center, MI. He was preceded in death by his wife, Theone, on May 31, 2016 and his parents.