Richard K. Belke

Richard K. Belke passed away Sunday, April 5, 2015 at the age of 93 at Hanson Hospice Center.  Dick was born November 26, 1921 inSt.   Joseph to Herman and Ruth Belke.  He resided in St Joseph all his life, graduating from St   JosephHigh School in 1940.  On December 4, 1944, he married Mary Elizabeth Lambert who preceded him in death January 4, 2013 after 68 years of marriage. Dick served in the Army Air Corps, Signal Corps, Infantry and Engineers during WWII from 1942 through 1946.  He was employed by Theisen Clemens Oil Company as Secretary/Treasurer and Consolidated Die Cast Corporation (Sealed Power Corporation) as an accountant retiring from Sealed Power in 1985. Dick is survived by daughters Janet (Marcus) Weaver of Kentwood MI and Sharon (Richard) Moore of Gainesville GA.; grandson Dr. Brian (Jeanna) Weaver of Dublin OH; granddaughter Jennifer (John) Higginbotham III of Bellbrook OH; great-grandsons Brayden Charles Weaver, Luke David and Levi Marcus Higginbotham; great-granddaughter Madeline Hope Weaver plus cousins, nieces, nephews and brother-in-law James Woodruff.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Elaine (James) Woodruff of Lansing MI, and two brothers Russell of Muskegon MI and Jerome of Tempe AZ/St Joseph MI. Dick was a member of St Joseph United Methodist Church for over 60 years and was a life member of Masonic Lodge #437 F&AM and America Chapter #234 Order of the Eastern Star.  He was also a member of the American Legion Post #163. Dick loved his wood-working projects.  He delighted in making many wooden toys for his grandchildren in addition to other various wooden projects for family and friends. Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Wednesday at Starks/Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Masonic Rites conducted at 7PM by the St. Joseph Masonic Lodge #437.  Celebration of Life Services will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday at St. Joseph First United Methodist Church, 2950 Lakeview Ave., St. Joseph, with Rev. Harris Hoekwater officiating.  Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph immediately after the church service.  Graveside Military Rites will be conducted by the North Berrien Military Rites Team. Memorials may be made to the St Joseph United Methodist Church or to the Hanson Hospice Center, Stevensville.