Rick Stover

Rick Stover (George R. II), 47, went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ, Saturday, January 24, 2016 at Lakeland Medical Center, after a brief illness, with his loving family by his side.  He was born September 15, 1968.  Rick attended Berrien Springs High School where he played baseball and football, and then Southwestern Michigan College.  He was a farmer and could fix anything. Rick loved nature and enjoyed fishing and hunting.  In addition to watching and supporting his son’s activities, he enjoyed college football and basketball; Go MSU! He was a lifelong diehard Cubs and Bears fan.  Rick had a big heart and was willing to help others.  He liked to travel and talk about his trips to Europe, Colorado, Northern Michigan, and other parts of the United States.  Music was his passion-going to concerts, watching performances, listening and singing along. Rick was a member of the Berrien County Sportsman’s Club and the Hinchman United Methodist Church.  Surviving are his son Nolan-his pride and joy; his sister Michele and brother-in-law Scott Vaerewyck, South Bend, IN; mother Arlene; special aunts and uncles-Jim and Sally Behlen, Sandy Barefield, and Ken and June Stover; cousins-Dr. Kevin (Joan) Cranmer, Farmington Hills, MI, Mary (Brad) Tabin, Grand Rapids, MI, Michael (Trish) Cranmer, Zeeland, MI, and Ken (Erin) Stover III, St. Joseph MI; special friend Darlene Kuhens; and several great aunts and uncles.  His father George R. Stover, his maternal grandparents Russell and Janet Cranmer, and his fraternal grandparents K.V. and Marge Stover preceded him in death.  He is also survived by his 2 collies Zeus and Izzy and his cat Bud. Visitation with the family will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 27,  at the Arden United Methodist Church, 6891 US 31 (M-139) in Berrien Springs.  A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 7:00 P.M at the church with Rev. O’Ryan Rickard officiating.  Private burial will take place at Spring Run Cemetery in Scottdale.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to his son Nolan’s college fund, in care of Michele Vaerewyck, or his church-Arden United Methodist Church.  Those wishing to sign Rick’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.  Rock on, Rick!  You will be missed more than you will ever know! Rick’s family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Hempel and the CCU staff at Lakeland Medical Center, for their compassion and care.