Julius G. Granke

Julius G. Granke, 78, of St. Joseph, passed away Wednesday, March 23, 2005, at home with his family at his bedside. A Graveside Service with Pastor Brandenburg officiating will be held 2:00 P.M., Friday, March 25, at Riverside Cemetery in Three Oaks, Michigan, with Military Rites conducted. Memorials may be made in Julius? name to the charity of your choice or to the family. Those who wish to send a condolence message or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Julius was born in Benton Harbor on March 21, 1927 to Erdman and Bessie (Hartline) Granke. He attended school in New Troy, Michigan, and served in the U.S. Army from 1945 ? 1947. In the military he served as Company-A, 524th Military Police Battalion; Tech-5 Sergeant; Sergeant of the Mess Hall; and interpreter for the Nierenberg war crime trials of Nov. 1945. Julius married Mary Jane Bennett on September 5, 1947 in Sawyer, Michigan. Together they owned Judy?s Wrecker Service on Pipestone Rd., in Benton Harbor. Julius loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycles, fishing, Polka dancing, and spending time with his family. Julius is survived by his daughters – Vicki (Perry) Bundy of St. Joseph, Debbie Blaylock of Benton Harbor, Christine (Steven) Bailey of St. Joseph, Jackie (Mike) Thomas of St. Joseph; eight grandchildren ? Jeff Bundy of St. Joseph, Tonya (Robert) Gonzales of Las Vegas, NV, Dana Blaylock, Scott Blaylock both of Benton Harbor, April (Will) Cobb of Hartford, Steven Bailey of Hartford, Amber Bailey of St. Joseph, and Shaun Thomas of St. Joseph; nine great-grandchildren; brothers – Ernest (Pat) Granke of Sawyer, and Eugene Granke of Chicago, sister Ruth Tilly of Dowagiac; and a special family friend Carole Burkhard. He is preceded in death by his parents Bessie and Erdman Granke; brother Bert Granke; son in law Lee Blaylock; great-grandson Joshua Bell; mother and father in law Sarah and Winford Bennett.