Noel Ruth Gersonde

Noel Ruth Gersonde, 72, of St. Joseph, passed away Friday, September 12, 2014 at Lakeland Hospital in Niles, Michigan. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, September 20, 2014 at 9:30 AM, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI with Pastor Noah Headrick from Grace Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel. Memorials may be made to Alliance for the Great Lakes or Michigan Wildlife Conservancy. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Noel was born October 29, 1941 to Ralph A. and Dorthea H. (Hermann) Gersonde in St. Joseph, MI. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1959 and Valparaiso University in 1963 with a B.A. Major: English, Minor: Biology. She was employed as a Medical Transcriber for the local hospital and also worked at the Herald Palladium. Noel enjoyed photography and was involved in the local arts. She was passionate about gardening and her many cherished pets. Noel was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, then became a member of Grace Lutheran Church and had a strong faith in God. Noel is survived by her nieces and nephews John (Becky) Ristau, Robin (Wayne) Craig, Steve (Peggy) Ristau, Jennifer (Brian) Riley, Diane Scholz Ristau; great-nieces and nephews Matthew (Brittani) Ristau, Lauren (Rob) Kanzer, David Ristau, Sarah Ristau, Brittany Wainscott, Joseph Lape, Dustin Lape, Ricci (Michael) Bailey and Megan Riley; great-great niece and nephew Joseph & Mia Bailey; David Ristau (brother to Jack Ristau) and a special friend and caregiver Ted Johnson. Noel was preceded in death by her parents; a sister Carol Dumler (Jack Ristau) and nephew Daniel Ristau.