Helen Elsie Schmaltz

Helen E. Schmaltz, of Baroda, MI passed away at Caretel Inns of Lakeland, on Sunday, June 24, 2012. Arrangements have been entrusted with Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home of St. Joseph, MI. Helen was born on October 10 in Benton Harbor, MI to Gottlieb and Elizabeth (Rach) Fester. On October 6, 1956 at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Benton Harbor she married Ervin R. Schmaltz. Her employment ranged from being a legal Secretary with the patent attorney at Whirlpool, Lakeshore Schools, Emlong’s Nursery, I & M, and many years as a volunteer at Lakeland Continuing Care Center. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stevensville, and was very active in the Bible classes there. Helen enjoyed reading and baking, especially chocolate cookies for her grandson. She loved visiting and being with her family. Helen is survived by her husband Ervin; her two daughters, Cindy (Rick) Fechner of St. Joseph and Autumn Elizabeth Schmaltz of Coloma; grandson Daniel; and sisters, Ruth Twarucsek, Dolores Fester and Jeanette Fester all of Benton Harbor. She is preceded in death by her parents-Gottlieb and Elizabeth, and a brother-Edward. A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Wednesday, June 27, 1:00pm at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2673 W. John Beers Rd., Stevensville, MI with Rev. Brett Ehlke officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery, Bridgman, MI. Visitation is on Tuesday, June 26 from 5:00-8:00pm at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Building Fund or to Hospice At Home. Friends wishing to leave a message of condolence to the family may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com