Roland E. Shuler

Roland E. Shuler, 79, passed away January 18, 2012 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph. Funeral services celebrating his life will be held January 21, 2012 at 11:00 AM at New Life Church, 3265 South Cleveland, St. Joseph with burial to follow at North Shore Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 5:00 until 8:00 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Animal Aid or Lest We Forget. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Roland was born April 19, 1932, in Benton Harbor to Glenn and Arlene Shuler. Roly’s first love was his family. He loved attending his children and grandchildren’s activities, even coaching his sons’ Little League teams. He was passionate about his sports teams, including the Michigan Wolverines, Detroit Tigers, Lions and Red Wings. He loved dancing with his wife to Big Band music. He also enjoyed playing cards with friends. Roly was a proud member of the Air Force, serving as a cook in Germany during the Korean Conflict. Back in Michigan, he worked for 30 years at Auto Specialties. Roland is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ruth; two sons, Mark (Martha) Shuler of Benton Harbor and Richard (Robin) Shuler of St. Joseph; two daughters, Rhonda (Kevin) Galligan of Grandville and Barbara (Vern) Cluff of Baroda; sisters, Joyce Balka of St. Joseph, Janet (George) Schack of South Haven; brother, Donald (Margaret) Shuler of Hudson Falls, NY; nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Roland was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gordon.