Donald E. Zerbe

February 10, 1935 ? July 11, 2005 Don went to be with his Lord after a long and courageous battle with cancer at home, on Monday, July 11 at the age of 70, in the presence of his loving wife of 50 years, Joyce (Krugh) and his children; David (Cindy) Zerbe, Sherry (Jim) Leto, and Diane (Rick) Biggart; grandchildren, Jerad, Kimberly, Craig, Jaime, and Karlye; and sister, Dorothy (Al) Borr. Don and his family were blessed with the loving care of his nurse, Daphne Witucki. Don was an active member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church and gave of his time as a handy-man and Trustee for the church. He retired from Whirlpool in 1992 after 26 years of service. He was a member of the Whirlpool Management Club and the Old Timers Committee.Don and Joyce enjoyed spending their winters in Zephyrhills, Florida, with many wonderful friends golfing, fishing, and playing cards. But the highlight of Don’s life was his family .He was never happier than when he was surrounded by them. From small family gatherings to the annual family reunions, he was always the gracious host and so looked forward to these events. He had the ability to make everyone feel welcome and special and he was always willing to lend a hand to help someone. He was truly a man that lead by example. As an avid University of Michigan fan, Don loved Fall Football Saturdays. Don and Joyce spent many years working side by side with their ceramics hobby. He enjoyed the outdoors and loved spending time in his garden. Don was also involved in the Cub Scouts at Sorter School for many years. He helped coach his son’s and grandson’s Little League Baseball teams. He was in the Naval Reserves for five years. Don graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1953. During his high school years he was employed by Twin City Radio in Benton Harbor. Don was preceded in the death by his parents, August and Natalie Zerbe; his sisters Ruth Schulz and Ester McCoy; and brothers Samuel, Leonard and Arthur Zerbe and his loving companion “Lassie” his collie. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 15, 2005 at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 4071 Naomi Rd., Sodus, with Pastor Jim Dibbet & Pastor George Fleming officiating. Burial will follow in Shanghai Cemetery, Eau Claire. Friends may call from 5-9 P.M. Thursday at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, Berrien County Cancer Service or Northwestern University Pancreatic Cancer Research. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.