Nathanael Thomas Pelkey

Nathanael Thomas Pelkey, 29, of Berrien Springs, passed away January 4, 2012, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 A.M. Monday, January 9, 2012 at St. Gabriel Catholic Mission, 429 Rose Hill in Berrien Springs with Father Arthur Howard officiating. Burial will be held at Pearl Cemetery in Benton Harbor. Friends may visit from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Sunday, January 8, 2012 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph with a Rosary recited at 7:30 P.M. Memorials may be made to the SW Michigan Humane Society or to the Catholic Community Center in Benton Harbor. Those wishing to share a memory online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Nathan was born December 4, 1982 in St. Joseph, MI to Gregory and Lynda (Piggott) Pelkey. Nathan grew up in Benton Harbor and Berrien Springs. As a youth he enjoyed playing soccer and baseball in Berrien Springs and played many years with the Irish Youth Hockey League. Nathan recently attended Grand Rapids Community College. His dream was to work for the Department of Natural Resources, especially in the fisheries. He also spent a few years in Charleston, South Carolina working as a chef. Nathan’s kind and loving spirit touched everyone he loved. He was always the first to offer help to those who needed it. His love for animals was always part of what made him special. Nathan’s smile and great sense of humor will be missed by everyone. Nathan is survived by his mother, Lynda Pelkey of Berrien Springs; sisters Cynthia Pelkey of Niles, Jennifer Pelkey of California, one brother Gregory Pelkey, his Fiancé Laura Medbery of Chicago; Grandmother Frances Piggott, aunts, uncles, many cousins and friends. Nathan was preceded in death by his father Gregory Pelkey.