Herman Lerke

Herman Lerke ? The doors of Heaven opened to welcome the dear soul of Herman Lerke who passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2004 at Lakeland Specialty Hospital in Berrien Center. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Monday, October 25, 2004, at Peace Lutheran Church, 3590 Lincoln Avenue, St. Joseph, with Rev. Paul A. Koehneke officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may call on Sunday, October 24, 2004, from 3:00 ? 6:00 P.M., at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Those wishing to send a condolence message or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. We gratefully request that any memorials be designated to Peace Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.Herman was born to Gustav and Emelia (Deckert) Lerke on May 3, 1915 in Dowagiac, Michigan, where he later married his wife of 68 years, Erna Stephan, on May 2, 1936. The couple resided most of their married life in the Benton Harbor, St. Joseph area. He retired from Gast Manufacturing Corp., where he had worked for 38 years, being one of the original 14 employees to be hired.Herman is survived by his loving wife Erna; daughters ? Dolores (Walfred) Lyon of Stevensville, and Joyce (Rod) Wierenga of Grand Rapids; granddaughters ? Laura Ragan of Moscow, Idaho, Jennifer (David) Ahrens of St. Joseph, and Beth (James) Muldoon of Stevensville; great-grandchildren ? Chase Deda and Blake Ahrens; and brother ? Arthur (Gloria) Lerke. He also leaves his special families ? Jean and Denny Alspaugh of Spokane, Washington, Kent and Dale Kramer of Hoover, Alabama, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, a granddaughter Deborah Ragan in 1981, Brother Julius Lerke and Sister Elsie Steinke.We remember him best for his fun loving spirit. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. The legacy that he leaves behind is one of devoted Christian faith, a strong work ethic and deep love of family. We will miss him deeply and remember him always.