Henry James Kircher

Peacefully, Henry James Kircher passed away on Saturday, December 12, 2009. He is survived by his former wife Patricia (McCrery) Day, daughter Bonni Sullivan, his sister, Carolina (Kircher) Reed, his brother Raymond (Val) Kircher as well as numerous, loving, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Gladys Kircher. Henry was born on October 14, 1927 in Flat Rock, Michigan. His early years were spent on family farms in Brighton, Michigan, Rolling Prairie, Indiana and finally Sawyer, Michigan. He joined the US Army in 1946 and was honorably discharged in 1948. After his time in the service, Henry decided to pursue his interest in engineering and began taking classes at Lake Michigan College. Patricia and he were married July 3, 1954. After a short time in Benton Harbor, they established residence in Stevensville, Michigan where Henry has lived for the past 51 years. The majority of his working career was spent as a Quality Control Engineer with Paramount Die Cast and later at Shawnee Specialties. He's held memberships in the local chapters of the Disabled American Veterans, Moose, and American Legion Post 568. A special thanks to all staff at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans and all other healthcare facilities involved in taking such wonderful care of him over time. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Starks and Menchinger Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. The funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, December 17 at 11:00 a.m., with nourishment and fellowship at the Stevensville American Legion Post 568 following. Flowers gratefully declined. If friends so desire, donations may be made in his honor to the Alzheimer's Association, the American Heart Association or the American Legion Post 568. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.