Fred Metz

Fred Metz, 88, of Niles, MI passed away on Monday, October 6, 2014 at Lakeland Community Hospital in Niles. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday October 10th at 2:00 P.M., at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd, St. Joseph, officiated by Pastor Roy Jeffery. Military Rites will be provided by North Berrien Military Rites Team. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held on a later date at North Shore Memory Garden in Coloma. Memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society of Southwest Michigan. Those wishing to sign Fred’s guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Fred was born in Edwardsburg, MI on July 17, 1926 to Frederick Russell Metz Sr., & Emma (Anderson) Metz. He proudly served in the United States Army as a medic. After serving in the military Fred began working for the Benton Harbor Area Schools as a custodian and continued to service the area schools until he retired. Fred married Alta Young on December 18th, 1952 in South Bend, IN and was married for 41 years until her passing in 1993. Fred later married Katherine Rendell, who also has preceded him in death. Fred had many interests in life, one of which was camping up north in Baldwin, MI. He was a member of various organizations throughout the community including Coloma American Legion Post 362, The Moose and as well as a former member of The Church of Christ in Benton Harbor. Fred really enjoyed listening to country music. Fred is survived by his daughters, Alice Velma (Thomas) Ketcham of Benton Harbor, Mildred “Midge” (Ted) Lockwitz of Saint Joseph, son Donald (Diane) Marler of Lawrence, nephew Larry Mead of Tuscan, AZ, daughter-in-law Linda Marler of Watervliet., 15 step-grandchildren and 16 step great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, first wife Alta (Young) Metz, second wife Katherine (Rendell) Metz, sisters Thelma Dolph, & Edith Mead, brother Cecil Metz, step-son Gene Marler and step-daughter Alma Nuessen.