Clete Brummel

Clete Neil Brummel, of St. Joseph, MI, died in an auto accident on Monday, October 4, 2010. A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 8, 2010 at First Church of God, 2627 Niles Ave., St. Joseph, MI with Rev. Bob Confer officiating. The arrangements are entrusted with Starks & Menchinger Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd. – St. Joseph, MI. The visitation will be held on Thursday, October 7, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Calvin College Science Division, St. Joseph Lincoln Senior Center or First Church of God. Clete lived a very full and active life. He loved anything outdoors. He was an avid tennis player and golfer. He had a love of all sports and refereed many junior high and high school games, teaching young players sportsmanship and the finer points of the game. He was a talented photographer and recorded many pictures of their travels and special family events. Clete was an active member of his church and had a beautiful voice that enhanced any choir. He was also a dedicated volunteer to many organizations which included Special Olympics, St. Joseph Lincoln Center, Lakeland Regional Health System. He often drove for preschool field trips and special events for seniors at his church and was always ready and willing. Clete was born in Platt, South Dakota which he referred to as his“Little House on the Prairie”. Clete was born on January 16, 1937 to Raymond and Gertrude (Pranger) Brummel, who preceded him in death. He was the middle child of six siblings and grew to be a respected son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. Clete graduated from Platt High School in 1955. In 1959 he received his Bachelor of Science degree from Calvin College, completing his Master's degree in Biology from the University of South Dakota. He taught biology at Bemidji State University in Minnesota. He then taught anatomy and physiology, and environmental sciences at Lake Michigan College until his retirement. He married Nita Katowich on September 19, 1987 in St. Joseph, MI. Clete is survived by his wife, Nita, his daughters, Dawn Crook and Dianna (Joseph) Rathbun of Lowell, MI, son, Christopher (Jamie) Brummel of Rockford, MI and stepchildren, Jason (Lacy) Katowich of Walkerton, IN, Todd (Nicole) Katowich of Las Vegas, NV, Ryan (Lisa) Katowich of St. Joseph, MI and Sara (Joe) Batson of Greenville, MI. He is also survived by his siblings, Hazen (Grace) Brummel of Ripon, CA, , Terry (Gene) Ver Hage of Hudsonville, MI, Jeneane (Marv) Goorhouse of Wyoming, MI, Judy Beukelman of Ripon, CA, Audrey (Adrian) DeDoes of Long Beach, CA and a very proud grandfather to his 16 grandchildren. Clete spent his last day doing exactly what he loved: golfing with his buddies and best friends, Paul Simonton, Chuck Nidifer, Wayne Hemmingway, then on to refereeing a volleyball game. Clete will be greatly missed but never forgotten by all those that loved him. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.