Elsie H. Demkovich

Elsie H. Demkovich, 89, a life-long resident of St. Joseph, passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2009 at the Willows Assisted Living Community in St. Joseph, MI. Elsie was born on October 18, 1919 to Julius and Beata Rutkowskie. On April 25, 1945 she married John Demkovich, who preceded her in death in February 2005, just two months shy of their 60th wedding anniversary. In her younger days, Elsie enjoyed dancing, visiting Chicago with her girlfriends and sailing on Lake Michigan – even though she wore no life Jacket and could not swim a lick. As a more sedate housewife, Elsie became a superb baker (pie crusts and brownies were her specialties). She also loved roses, birds, ceramic owls – she accumulated a wonderful collection. But most of all she loved her family and friends. Elsie is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Dick Kirschten of Chevy Chase, Maryland, along with a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband-John, she was preceded in death by her parents-Julius and Beata, her older brother-Fred Reinhardt, her older sister-Hattie Rutkowskie, and her especially dear younger sister-Lillian Fanslau. In their later years, Elsie and Lillian had many grand adventures, including getting themselves invited to lunch at a restaurant closed for a private party. Interment will take place at Riverview Cemetery Columbarium, with arrangements entrusted to Starks and Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Those wishing to send a message of condolence or sign the guestbook on line may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. A memorial service will be planned to coincide with what would have been her 90th birthday in October.