Virgil Polmanteer

Virgil William Polmanteer, 87, formerly of Benton Harbor and Ocala, Florida, passed away on December 13, 2005, at Kephart Cottage, Berrien Springs. Virgil was born August 6, 1918, in Watervliet Township to Carl and Hazel (Avery) Polmanteer. He was a WWII veteran and retired from the U.S. Navy. He also retired from the U.S. Postal Service. He married Gregoria “Jeana” Hernandez on March 30, 1916, in Colon, Panama. She preceded him in death in 2002. While living in Benton Harbor, Virgil worked at the Hy Firehammer Company. Virgil and Jeana moved to Florida in the 1970’s. He was a talented man. Whether it was building single passenger airplanes, copper tables, woodworking or leather making, he could do anything well. He was a lifetime 32nd degree Mason. A Celebration of Life Service for Virgil and his wife Jeana will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, December 16, 2005, at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Fr. Bill Jacobs officiating. Military rites will be conducted by Coloma American Legion Post #362, Benton Harbor VFW Post #1137, and Watervliet VFW Post #6803. Private burial of cremains will be at North Shore Memory Gardens, Coloma, at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Those wishing to share a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Survivors include his sister, Doris Hetherington of St. Joseph, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, Virgil is preceded in death by his brothers, Merle Polmanteer, Ted Polmanteer, and Allan Polmanteer; and sister, Bernie Seils.