Ella Amelia Schulke

Ella A. Schulke, 90, of St. Joseph, MI passed away Monday, July 6, 2015 at her home where she lived with her son.   A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, July 11, 2015 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd. with Grandson Benjamin Schulke officiating. Burial will take place 11:00 A.M., Monday, July 13, 2015 at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma. Friends may visit from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Friday, July 10, 2015 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice, (877) 494-6890 and ask to speak to representative. Those wishing to sign Ella’s guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Ella was born February 28, 1925 in St. Joseph, MI to Rudolf & Emily Podzuweit. On August 23, 1947 she wed Edward Schulke in St. Joseph, MI. Ella worked for the State of Michigan for 20 plus years; her last assignment was as a Michigan Unemployment Job Counselor before retiring. She was the Treasurer and Secretary at the DANK for 15 years and was also a member of the FRAU Group. Ella was a worshiper at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ where she was a member of Women’s Guild. After she retired she sang and danced with Misfit’s, a group that presented shows to charities in the St. Joseph area. Traveling was one of Ella’s favorite things to do, at the age of 78 she and her beloved dog, Jody,  drove from St. Joseph, MI to Anchorage, AK a trip of over 14,000 miles.  She continued to drive until her late 80’s going as far as San Francisco and Nova Scotia. In addition she was the recipient of a Civic Recognition Award. http://civicrecognition-12.org/news/38788134011947/Ella-Schulke-Saint%20Joseph-Michigan.html She is survived by her sons Roger Schulke of St. Joseph; Mark Schulke of Grand Rapids; daughter Ginger (Pam) Schulke of Ryan, IA; grandchildren Benjamin (Lauren) Schulke of Grand Rapids and Sarah Schulke of Grand Rapids. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Edward in 1973, Sister Hildegard Wolske in 2010 and Brother Herbert Schulke in 1948.