Joseph E. Blake

Joseph E. Blake, 83, of Benton Harbor, passed away Friday, June 13, 2014 at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00 P.M. Tuesday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. Fred J. Davey officiating.  Burial will follow at Crystal Springs Memorial Park.  Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations may be made to Berrien County Cancer Service.  Those wishing to sign Joe’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Joe was born August 18, 1930 in Benton Harbor to Walter & Rose (Michovich) Blake.  On June 10, 1950, he married the former Lila J. Smith.  Joe worked in the restaurant business all his life, either as owner or manager.  The list includes Blossomland Restaurant, Blake’s on the Lake, Sinbad West, Mott’s Apple Core, Benton Harbor Holiday Inn & Benton Harbor Elks #541.  Joe was also very proud of his family that worked by his side to make his business successful and were all given his gift of hard work.  Joe taught them how to work!  Joe was a member of the Benton Harbor Moose Lodge, and in his free time enjoyed tending to his rose garden which at one time included more than 100 rose bushes. Joe is survived by his wife Lila; his children-Mark (Lisa) Blake of St. Joseph, Kari Blake of Benton Harbor, Kelly (Glen Hunter) Prince of Freeport, TX; five grandchildren-Jennifer & Ryan Prince, Nickolas (Britney Champagne) Sherrill, Melissa (Robb) Robison & Kaitlin Blake.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Leslie Blake on March 17, 1995, and his son Michael Blake on January 31, 1993.