Elmer Rantz

Elmer Rantz, 86, of St. Joseph, MI passed away Monday, September 22, 2014 at the Hanson Hospice in Stevensville. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M., Monday, September 29, 2014 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Service, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. Dr. Christopher Noffke officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Bridgman. Friends may visit from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. Sunday, September 28, 2014 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hanson Hospice Center. Those wishing to share a memory of Elmer online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Elmer was born on October 2, 1927 in Bridgman, MI, to Fred & Edith (Tatro) Rantz. He proudly served his country in United States Army in the 82nd Airborne Division. Elmer married Lillian Bernotas on April 17, 1948 in Benton Harbor. He was employed with Whirlpool Corporation for over 40 years until he retired.  Elmer loved watching baseball and especially enjoyed rooting for the Cubs and Tigers. Elmer is survived by his wife Lillian Rantz of St. Joseph; daughter Linda (Daryl) McDonald of St. Joseph; son Brian Rantz of St. Joseph; grandchildren Scott (Mandy) McDonald of Stevensville and Kim (Matt) Shermak of St. Joseph; brother Emery (Jean) Rantz of Stevensville; and sister Jeri McLean of St. Joseph. He was preceded by his parents and siblings: Dale, Ed, Gilbert, Fred, Gerald, Elizabeth, Doris and Pearl.