Henry Julius John Wutzke

Henry Julius John Wutzke, 92, of Stevensville began his eternal life in heaven Monday, September 2, 2013. Henry was born to Adolph and Olga (Rochau) Wutzke on January 22, 1921 in Stevensville. He had many memories of his childhood including selling dill pickles with his father and an early love for driving. On October 10, 1942 he left for the Army and served under General Patton in World War II. During his service, he and two other soldiers extinguished a vehicle fire while being shot at by German forces in order to protect their unit from further attack. For this act of bravery he was awarded a Silver Star, the third highest military honor. He returned from war on October 10, 1945 and was greeted by his sweetheart, Eleanor Konya – a day he said was the happiest of his life. Henry and Eleanor married on December 1, 1945. Their marriage was blessed with one daughter, Cheryl. Henry worked at Whirlpool Corporation until he was able to pursue farming full-time. In 1950, they purchased a farm in Stevensville that they named Derby Acres and built a successful fruit and vegetable venture. He was proud to be the first in the area to grow green peppers and his sweet corn was famous throughout Berrien County. He also was a member of the National Grape Cooperative for 50 years. Henry and Eleanor retired from full-time farming in 1986 but their farm continues on through their grandson. After the death of his beloved wife Eleanor in 1989, Henry married Darlene “Tag” Runge on October 12, 1991. They were able to spend time traveling together and shared an enjoyment of roller coasters and thrill rides. Henry was also a loving and generous grandfather, who built tree houses, zip lines, and corn mazes and loved to see his grandchildren enjoy them. He was very proud to have a great-grandson. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Cheryl (Edward) Gallert of Stevensville, his grandchildren Brooke (Aarin) Zelmer and Alex (Megan) Gallert, a great-grandson Ezekiel Zelmer, his stepsons Raymond (Tina) Runge of Middlebury, IN, Terry (Kathy) Runge of Watervliet, and Richard (Gail) Runge of St. Joseph, 7 step-grandchildren, his sister Arlene (Ken) Walski of Comstock Park and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Eleanor, his sister Lydia Franks, his brother Raymond Wutzke and his step-granddaughter Lindsey Runge. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:00 A.M. Thursday, September 5, 2013 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2673 W. John Beers Rd. Stevensville, with Reverend Jonathon Kruschel, Reverend Brett Ehlke and Reverend Nathan Fager officiating. Burial will follow at Lincoln Twp. Cemetery, with Military Honors provided by Stevensville American Legion Post #568. Friends may visit from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd. St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for the Building on God’s Blessings Fund. Those wishing to share a memory of Henry may do so online at www.starks-mechinger.com.