Edward J. Shell

Edward J. Shell, 100, of St. Joseph, passed away Saturday, July 1, 2006 at Whitcomb Towers where he resided. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, July 20 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Church St., St. Joseph with Msgr. Thomas Martin officiating. Entombment of his ashes will take place at Riverview Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hospice At Home. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Mr. Shell was born May 20, 1906 in Chicago, Illinois to William & Laura (Cesar) Shell. He graduated from Carl Schruz High School in Chicago in 1923. After graduation he was employed by Curtis Sash & Door Company in Chicago. On June 21, 1928, he married the former Charlotte Mroz in Chicago. In 1936, he moved to St. Joseph to become their sales rep. for Western Michigan. In 1952, Ed founded Home Builders Lumber Company in St. Joseph, which his family continues to operate. He retired in 1980. In 1955, Ed married the former Shirley Small in Benton Harbor. Ed was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, and a life member of Benton Harbor Elks Lodge #544, and FOP Lodge #96 in St. Joseph. He was an avid fisherman, bowler, and enjoyed traveling throughout the States and Canada. Mr. Shell is survived by his daughter Marilyn Burns of Stevensville; his son Wayne (Karon) Shell of Coloma; five grandsons – Michael Burns, Gary (Michelle) Burns, Roger (Christine) Burns, Jr., Greg (Ann) Shell, Jeff (Shelly) Shell; three great-grandsons – Christopher & Steven Burns, and Campbell Shell. Ed was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, two sisters, four brothers, his grandson Thomas Burns in 1989, and his son-in-law Roger Burns Sr. in 2006.