David C. Schlutt

David ‘Buzz’ Schlutt, 86, of St. Joseph, passed away, Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:30 A.M. Tuesday at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, with Pastor Kevin Parkins officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph, with Military Rites conducted by Stevensville American Legion Post #568. Friends may call from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Berrien County Cancer Service or Stevensville American Legion Post #568. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Buzz was born February 28, 1923 in St. Joseph to Chester & Irene (Hetherington) Schlutt. He was one of St. Joseph’s ‘Sand Rabbits’, growing up on Lake St. and living in St. Joseph his entire life. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1940. Buzz served his country in the United States Army Air Corp. stationed in England in the 8th Air Force, being discharged in 1945 as a Staff Sergeant. Buzz was employed as a lift truck driver at Whirlpool for 40 years, retiring on July 31, 1987. He enjoyed carpentry & cabinet making, having built several homes over the years. Buzz was a member of the Whirpool Old Timers, Stevensville American Legion #568, DAV Chapter #17, and a Life Member of VFW Post #1137. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing on Lake Michigan in his boat for perch & salmon. Buzz is survived by his three daughters-Cathy Will of Benton Harbor, Connie (Dennis) Schreiber of Gahanna, OH, Patty (Piet) Keegstra of Eau Claire; five grandchildren-Justin (Chris) Will, Brett (Amy) Will, Kyle Will, Nathan Keegstra, Matthew Keegstra; and one great-granddaughter Gracie Will. Buzz will be deeply missed by his loving family, his many friends, and his canine companion-Brute. He was preceded in death by his father Chester Schlutt, and his mother and step father Irene & Eric Kesterke.