John Stancik

John Stancik, Jr., 87, of St. Joseph, died at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, June 25, 2011. Arrangements have been entrusted with Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home of St. Joseph, MI. John was born December 31, 1923 in Chicago, IL to John and Tekla (Lasik) Stancik. John served his country in the U.S. Army, while stationed in the Guadalcanal Pacific arena. He was also a surveyor in the Army Corps of Engineering. John was also involved with ‘Lest We Forget” and contributed to the writing of the book. He graduated from Roosevelt University with a Bachelors Degree in Accounting. John worked at Gillespies Drug Store in downtown St. Joseph for 40 years. He started as bookkeeper/accountant, then in the camara department, and finally in the hearing aid dealership as a certified audiologist. John and his brother, James, also owned Stancik's Village Drug Store in Stevensville from app. 1970-1980. John was a past Benton Harbor City Commissioner 1968-1971; a former Lion Club member; on the Michigan State Board of Hearing Aid Dealers; and a member of the First Baptist Church in St. Joseph where he served as a Trustee and Auditor. John was also known as a gardener extraordinare, knowing all flowers by name and having an extensive garden in his yard. John is survived by his wife of 63 years, Kathryn; his children, John (Kathie) Stancik III of St. Joseph and Kathleen (James) Way of Grand Ledge, MI; seven grandchildren; and 2 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Tekla, two sisters, Georgia Gordon and Ruth Ditt, and his brother, James. A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Wednesday, June 29, 11:30am, at the First Baptist Church, 902 Broad St., St. Joseph with Rev. Marlo Fritzke officiating. Visitation is on Tuesday, June 28, from 5:00-8:00pm at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of St. Joseph. Friends wishing to leave a message of condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com