Harvey J. Belter

Harvey J. Belter, 92, of Benton Harbor, MI passed away Monday, August 25, 2014 at Pine Ridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Stevensville. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:00 A.M. on Friday, August 29, 2014 at Grace Lutheran Church, 404 E. Glenlord Rd., St. Joseph, with Pastor Glenn Rosenbaum officiating.  Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma. Friends may visit from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 28, 2014 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church. Those wishing to share a memory of Harvey online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.   Harvey was born August 14, 1922 in Benton Harbor, MI to Adolph & Marie (Sievert) Belter. He grew up in Sodus and graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1940. In 1956 he earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and in 1970 he received his master’s degree, also from Michigan State University. On November 30, 1946 he married Emma Eisbrenner and together they raised five children.   Harvey worked as the manager of the Sodus Horticultural Experiment Station and as a district sales representative for Farm Bureau. In 1960 he joined the Extension Service as an agricultural agent in Cass County. Two years later he took the same position in Berrien County for the next 21 years until he retired in 1983.   After retirement, Harvey and Emma spent their winters in Winterhaven, FL, for 29 years. Harvey enjoyed golfing, fishing and playing cards. He loved to dance the polka and root for the Spartans. Harvey also loved family gatherings, having his children and grandchildren surrounding him.   Harvey was a faithful member of Grace Lutheran Church for 67 years. He held many positions in the church including Usher, Sunday School Teacher, Elder and President. He was also a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Lakeland, FL.   Harvey is survived by his wife of 67 years, Emma; children, Harvey (Sandy) Belter, Jr., of Stevensville, Pastor Dennis (Rhoda) Belter of Appleton, WI., Greg (Karen) Belter of Watervliet, and Cindy (Roger) Schmalenberger of Stevensville; 9 grandchildren; and 2 great grandchildren.   Harvey was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Edward Andres, Roland Andres, Ernest Andres, Sr. and Welton Belter; sisters, Josephine Myers and Margaret Belter; and daughter, Nancy Rohm.