Edward (Eddie/E.J.) Phelan

ST. JOSEPH – Edward (Eddie/E.J.) Phelan, 94, of St. Joseph passed away Monday, October 1, 2012, at his home at the Willows, surrounded by his loving family. A Celebration of Life and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 o’clock a.m. Friday, October 5, at St. John Catholic Church, 600 Columbus Ave., Benton Harbor, with Father William J. Jacobs, Jr. officiating. Military rites will follow. Cremation will take place immediately following the funeral with burial at a later date at Calvary Cemetery, Benton Harbor. Friends and family may visit from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 4, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Eddie was born to Edward M. and Inez (Grant) Phelan on July 1, 1918 in Graceville, MN, moving to Benton Harbor at age 6. He was a graduate of St. John Catholic High School and was married to the love of his life, Loretta (Arntz) Phelan on October 25, 1941, at St. John Catholic Church. He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Bernice, Thomas, Catherine, Anne and Donald. He is survived by his wife Loretta and his five children, Karen E. Phelan of Lansing, E. Michael (Diane) Phelan of St. Joseph, Thomas W. (Kelly) Phelan of Hendersonville, NC, Patricia L. Phelan of St. Joseph, and James L. (Deronda) Phelan of Fletcher, NC, 14 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. Eddie was a WWII veteran, serving in the US Navy in the Pacific Theater and was an electrician for various companies throughout his career. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, Elks Club and Knights of Columbus, all of Benton Harbor, and life member of I.B.E.W. 153. He enjoyed being with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and loved to sing his “Irish” songs, singing a special song to his wife every night before they went to bed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John Catholic Church (of which he was an 88 year member), Lake Michigan Catholic Schools, or the Soup Kitchen (where he volunteered).