Kurt S. Garbuschewski

Kurt S. Garbuschewski, 91, of St. Joseph, MI passed away Monday, September 16, 2013 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, September 20, 2013 at Napier Parkview Baptist Church, 245 W. Napier Ave, Benton Harbor with Dr. J.O. Hosler officiating. Burial to follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may visit from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Thursday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to Napier Parkview Baptist or Caretel Inn’s activities fund. Those wishing to share a memory of Kurt may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Kurt was born in Gullupken, Germany on July 8, 1922 to Fredrick & Emma (Ziemba) Garbuschewski. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1941. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp., October 1942. He proudly served his county in WWII and was wounded in action on October 30, 1943. Kurt was honorably discharged May 1945 receiving a purple heart. Following his service during the war he returned to the St. Joseph area marrying Lucille Piedt on October 14, 1950. He worked as a butcher at several local markets, primarily Zick’s for 17 years. Kurt was a life time member of VFW Post # 1137 and commander and life time member of a local Disabled American Veteran’s Post. His stories of his service during WWII were published in numerous articles and several Lest we forget books. He was a member of Napier Parkview Baptist Church where he was a very active member, and enjoyed gathering everyday with his coffee group at Martin’s Supermarket. Kurt never knew a stranger and will be missed dearly for his stories about his life and service during the war. He is survived by his daughters; Luanne (Harold) Brooks of Edwardsburg and Vicki (Ken) Behr of Stevensville. Grandchildren; Randy (Suzanne) Brooks of Edwardsburg, Ron (Kathy) Brooks of North Muskegon, Andrea (Sam) Portwood of Niles, Joe (Melissa) Behr of Watervilet and Jamie (Steve) Bretveld of Colfax, WA. 9 great grandchildren with one on the way, as well as a great great grandchild that is on the way. He was preceded in death by his wife Lucille in April, 2010, parents, brother Horst Garbuschewski and baby sister, Esther.