W. Patzer

W. E. “Chick” Patzer, 84, of St. Joseph, passed away on Wednesday, November 30, 2005, at Lakeland Continuing Care Center, St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Saturday, December 3, 2005, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 613 Court St., St. Joseph, officiated by Reverend Thomas Batsky. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, December 2, at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Military rites will be conducted by the Stevensville American Legion Post 568. Cremation will follow the service. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or to Hospice at Home. Those wishing to share a memory may or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. “Chick” was born on May 20, 1921, in Dowagiac, Michigan, to Emil and Natalie (Wengarlski) Patzer. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII in the Rome-Arno Campaign. He retired from Whirlpool after 40 years. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and the Stevensville American Legion Post 568. “Chick” was an avid sportsman. He never missed one of his children or grandchildren’s sporting events. He was a well-known local bowler and loved the Cubs, Lions, and Michigan Wolverines. “Chick” enjoyed fishing and traveling. He loved children and volunteered his time to coach various youth activities. Survivors include his sons, Ron (Mary) Patzer, Stevensville, Donald A. (Debra) Patzer, Mishawaka, IN, Garry (Sue) Patzer, Benton Harbor, Larry Patzer, Sister Lakes; grandchildren, Christopher Patzer, Kristen Patzer, Lindsay Patzer, Tracy Patzer, Holly Patzer, Tessa (Terry) Davis; great-grandchildren, John Muday III, Teriana Davis; brother, Elmer (Alice) Patzer, Pittsburg, PA; sisters, Lydia Schneider, Mishawaka, IN, Mrs. William Welsher, St. Joseph; and former spouse and very special friend, Edna Patzer. “Chick” was preceded in death by his parents, great-granddaughter, Tessia Davis; brothers, Waldimar Patzer, Richard Patzer, Oscar Patzer, Henry Patzer; and sister, Elsie Wentland.