George Truhn

George Truhn, Jr., 85, of St. Joseph, went to meet his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, Sunday, November 15, 2015 at home. A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held 10:00 A.M. Thursday at Trinity Lutheran Church, Court & Market Streets, St. Joseph, with Rev. Michael Roth officiating.  Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph.  Graveside Military Rites will be conducted by the North Berrien Military Rites Team.  Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M. Wednesday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph.  Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church.  Those wishing to sign George’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. George was born December 25, 1929 in Benton Harbor to George Sr. & Julianna (Menchinger) Truhn.  He graduated from Benton Harbor High School and enlisted in the US Navy, serving his country during the Korean War.  On September 22, 1951, he married the former Norma Jean Burke in St. Joseph.  George was employed at Whirlpool Corp., retiring in 1987 after thirty-six years.  He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, having been a former Elder and member of the Trinity Lutheran School Board.  George was a member of American Legion Post #568 and the Whirlpool Old Timers and Management Club.  He also was a member of the Bard School Reunion Group.  For many years George enjoyed playing Santa Claus to area families.  He always had a smile with his great sense of humor and his positive remarks.  He enjoyed fishing on Lake Michigan, and he and his wife hosted family reunions for thirty years at their cottage on Gravel Lake. They also enjoyed taking family vacations to Alaska and Florida.  He was a George of all trades and could fix anything.  He was always present at his grandchildren’s sporting events.  George was a great man of faith. He is survived by his wife Norma Jean; children Michael Truhn, St. Joseph, Cheryl Demis, St. Joseph, Curtis (Peggy) Truhn, Singapore, Jeffrey Truhn, Seymour, Texas, and Julie (Brent) Engel, St. Joseph; grandchildren Kayla Truhn, Tara Demis, Delia Yeo, Mike (Jessica) Engel, Arielle (Erick) Waterbury, Eric and Noah Engel and  great-grandchildren Kaige Demis, Lillyanne & Leo Engel, and Clint Waterbury; sisters Shirley Truhn, St. Joseph and Lorraine Truhn, Stevensville. George was preceded by his parents and sister Lila Truhn.