Margaret Helen Krieger

Margaret Helen Krieger, 87, of St. Joseph, passed away Thursday, March 19, 2015 at Eaton Community Palliative Care in Charlotte, Michigan. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 A.M. Tuesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Church St., St. Joseph, with Fr. Tom McNally officiating.  Fellowship will follow Mass at The Rose Center, with graveside services following at 3:00 P.M. at New Troy Cemetery.  Friends may visit from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Monday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with the Rosary recited at 7:45 P.M.  Memorial donations may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care in Charlotte.  Those wishing to sign Margaret’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Margaret was born September 2, 1927 to Henry & Mollie (Schmaltz) Granke.  She graduated from Galien High School in 1946.  On June 12, 1948 she married John Victor Krieger at St. Joseph Catholic Church.  She and her husband owned and operated their family fruit farm.  In addition to being a fruit producer and homemaker, she worked at Miller’s Market, Emlong’s Nursery, for a local home health care provider, various catering services, and as manager of the Krieger Family Polka Band.  She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where she volunteered her service on the Dinner Committee, a long-time member of the DANK Club and its Ladies Auxiliary, and former member of the St. Joseph Kickers Club.  Margaret served as a past 4-H Club leader and enjoyed tending to her flower & vegetable gardens, sewing, and especially cooking.  She also enjoyed music, singing and playing the guitar & mandolin. Margaret is survived by her children-Carol Krieger Hamilton of Lansing, MI, John “Tommy” Krieger of South Haven, MI, Janice (Howard) Berberick of Niles, MI, Daniel (Dawn) Krieger of Byron Center, MI, Kevin (Ann) Krieger of Jackson, MI; fourteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren;  two sisters-Mary Ruff & Dorothy Steinke, both of Bridgman; by numerous nieces & nephews; and her late life companion Don Vigansky of Buchanan.  She was preceded in death by her husband John on May 5, 1994, son-in-law, Dale Hamilton of Lansing, MI, two brothers-Ernest & Henry Granke, and a sister, Martha Ann Granke,