Marie K. Stemm

Marie K. Stemm, 94, died Sunday, February 16, 2003, at Lakeland Specialty Hospital, Berrien Center, MI. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2003, 11:00AM, at the Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ, 3001 Veronica Dr., St. Joseph, with Rev. Dr. Kent Meyer officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may call on Wednesday, from 5:00 to 8:00PM, at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to Lakeland Specialty Hospital or to Zion Evangelical UCC. Those wishing to leave a message of condolence or to sign the family guest book may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Marie was born on May 14, 1908 in Russia to Jacob and Louisa (Pretzer) Stark. Her parents, along with 5 brothers and herself, arrived in the U.S. in 1913. In 1932, she was united in marriage to Harold Stemm, who preceded her in death in 1995. They were members of Zion Evangelical UCC of St. Joseph. Marie was a homemaker who devoted her life to her family. She loved her visits with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff at Lakeland Specialty Hospital, especially those working Hall E. She is survived by three children, a son, Norman (Ilene)Stemm of Benton Harbor; two daughters, Marlene (Robert) Tollas of Grand Rapids, and Linda (Gilbert) Hasso of Paw Paw; three grandchildren, Sonia (Randy) Lark of Alma, Scott (Kristi) Tollas of East Grand Rapids, and Shelly (David) Stankiewicz of Coloma; seven great grandchildren, Brett, Sarah and Kyle Lark, Andrew and Karleann Stankiewicz, and Gabrielle and MacKenzie Tollas; a brother William Stark; two sister-in-laws, Caroline Stark and LaVerne Karson; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death are her parents, her husband, six brothers and one sister.