Jack D. Gitersonke

Jack D. Gitersonke, 76, of St. Joseph, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 in Haines City, FL. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 10, 2009 at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI with Rev. Marlo Fritzke of First Baptist Church, St. Joseph officiating. Friends may call on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be directed to First Baptist Church, St. Joseph. Those wishing to send the family a message of condolence may do so on-line at www.starks-menchinger.com. Jack was born on June 21, 1932 to Fred and Pearl (Bender) Gitersonke in St. Joseph, MI. He graduated from Saint Joseph High School in 1950. Jack served in the Navy during the Korean War. He was employed at Whirlpool for 37 years until retiring in 1994. He married Charlotte (Aiken) in St. Joseph on April 11, 1964. Together, they raised 7 children. Jack was a long time member of First Baptist Church in St. Joseph. He volunteered at Lakeland Hospital. He was also an avid Michigan sports fan. Jack was a snowbird in Winter Haven, FL for 14 years. Jack is survived by his lovely wife, Charlotte; his children, Debra, Daniel & Mary, Diana & Mark, Donna, Chic & Gary, Kelly & Keith; grand-children; Angela, Jarod, Danny, Jamie, Matthew, Lindsay, Jason, Amy, Katelyn, Tanner; step grandchildren; Bridgett, Kyle; great grand-children; Camryn, Robby, Zoe, Lily; a brother, Richard (Jean) Gitersonke of Benton Harbor, A sister, Lavern (William) Kulich of Saint Joseph and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, David in 1979 and his brother, Vernon in 1942 and a sister, Shirley in 1940.