John J. Demkovich

John J. Demkovich, 83, of St. Joseph, passed away on Monday, February, 21, 2005, at Lakeland Continuing Care in St. Joseph. John was born to Joseph and Mary (Balon) Demkovich on September 26, 1921, in Whiting, Indiana. He grew up on a farm just outside of St. Joseph. John served in the Navy during WWII as a radio operator. He trained at Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Illinois and Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. After John was honorably discharged on December 3, 1945 he returned to St. Joseph. He married Elsie Rutkowskie on April 25, 1945, in St. Joseph. They were happily married for almost sixty years. He was employed at Whirlpool for more than forty years. John is survived by his wife, Elsie; daughter, Linda (J.D.) Kirschten of Chevy Chase, Maryland; sister, Mary Forney of St. Joseph; and brother, Robert Demkovich of St. Joseph; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. Interment will take place in Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to National Parkinson Foundation, Inc., Development Department, 1501 N.W. 9th Ave., Miami, Florida 33136-1494. Friends wishing to send the family a condolence message or sign the guest book on line may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.