Bernadine T. Rochau

Bernadine T. Rochau, 90, of Stevensville, passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at Caretel Inns of Lakeland. A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2673 W. John Beers Rd., Stevensville, with Rev. Jonathan Kruschel officiating. Burial will follow at Ruggles Cemetery in Baroda. Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. on Monday, September 30, 2013 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Those wishing to sign Bernadine’s Guestbook online may do so at www.starks.menchinger.com. Bernadine was born October 28, 1922 in St. Joseph to Clyde & Beatrice (Warsco) Brunke. She graduated from Baroda High School in 1941 and then went on to graduate from Twin City Business College. On September 30, 1944 she married Arthur Rochau at St. Paul’s in Stevensville. Bernadine worked in the payroll department of the 1900 Corporation (the predecessor of Whirlpool Corporation) for a number of years before joining her husband in their farming operation. She and Art enjoyed spending winters in Bradenton, Florida for the last twenty years before his passing. Bernadine was a long-time member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Bernadine is survived by two sons-Craig A. (Nina) Rochau of St. Joseph, Kim C. (Susan) Rochau of Birmingham, MI; her granddaughter Natalie (Stephen) Goveia of St. Joseph and great-granddaughters Alina and Maja; grandson Patrick (Dana) Williams and great-grandchildren Jacob, Samuel and Clare; her brother Clyde Brunke, Jr., of Sebring, FL; her sister-in-law Irene (Earl) Krieger of St. Joseph; and numerous nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Arthur on October 4, 2011 and a sister Maxine (Charles) Radde.