Arnold Edward Spitzke

Arnold Edward Spitzke, 85 of Baroda, passed away on Friday April 27, 2012 at Country Manor in Bridgman. Friends may call from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel at 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at St. John’s Lutheran Church 9193 Cleveland Ave., Baroda, officiated by Pastor Brad Ross, burial to follow at Ruggles Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Baroda American legion. Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church. Friends wishing to leave a condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arnold was born in Baroda Michigan on January 24, 1927, to Rudolph & Agnes (Schultz) Spitzke. After graduating from high school he entered the United States Army during WWII and obtained the rank of Sergeant. On May the 24, 1947 he married Dorothy Kolberg at Trinity Lutheran church in Sawyer, Michigan. He worked as a machine operator at Whirlpool for 40 years and farmed his whole life on the family farm on Spitzke Road. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, tinkering in his shop; but his true love was his family and spending time with his grandchildren. Survived by his wife of 64 years Dorothy, son Donald Lee (Jeanne) Spitzke, daughter Sandra Kay Spitzke all of Baroda, son-in-law Jim Plumley of Martinez GA, 8 grandchildren, Angela, Matthew, Andrew, Joey, Jennifer, Crystal, Daniel, and Tim; 2 great grandchildren; Ethan and Sylvia Preceded in death by a daughter Judy Plumley and a sister Ethel Stricklen.