Paul C. Letke

Paul C. Letke, 87, of Benton Harbor passed away Thursday April 9, 2015 at Royalton Manor. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, April 13, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, on the corner of Colfax and Kline in Benton Harbor with Pastor James Bartz officiating. Burial will follow the service at North Shore Memory Garden.  Friends may visit with the family from 9:00 A.M. until 10 A.M. prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthews Lutheran Church.  Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Paul was born on January 21, 1928 to Fred & Minnie (Friedrich) Letke in Bridgman, MI.  He was the last of 7 children.  He proudly served in the United States Army from 1946 – 1947.  On October 23, 1946 he married the love of his life, Helen Northrop, in Benton Harbor at St. Matthews Lutheran Church.  Paul worked for Whirlpool for more than 40 years.  While working at Whirlpool he also served as a Union Steward for his fellow employees.  He was a proud member of the American Legion in Stevensville at Post 568 for many years.  For over 50 years he and his wife belonged to St. Matthews Lutheran Church and participated in the church choir.  For 35 years he was a member of the Fruitbelt Chorus, also known as the Barber Shoppers.  Paul was an avid Cubs fan, in fact one of his fondest memories was a behind the scenes tour of Wrigley Field, including the dugout, Press Box, and the locker rooms.  He loved to play a card game called Tonk Rum.  For years he and his wife Helen loved camping in their travel trailer, he especially loved sitting around the campfire. Paul is survived by his wife Helen; son Eugene (Connie) Letke of St. Joseph; three grandchildren: Tanya Beach of Coloma, Shawn (Crystal) Saffell of Benton Harbor, Michelle (Nicholas) Haggart of Alma, MI; and 6 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded by his parents; daughter Patricia Polus in 2005 and three brothers and three sisters.