Arthur R. Lerke

Arthur ‘Art’ Lerke, 83, of St. Joseph passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2008 at his home surrounded by his loving family. A Service of Victory will be held at 11:00 a.m. with church visitation one hour prior to the start of the service on Thursday, September 25, 2008 at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 404 E. Glenlord Rd., St. Joseph, where he was a member, with Pastor Glenn Rosenbaum and Pastor Carl Pagel officiating. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00p.m. on Wednesday at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd, St. Joseph. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, or Hospice at Home of St. Joseph. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Art was born February 9, 1925, in Dowagiac to the late Gustave and Amelia Lerke. He attended Dowagiac schools and at the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Navy and served on the submarine Razorback during WWII. He also served 13 months during the Korean War on an aircraft carrier. His patriotism continued throughout his lifetime in St. Joseph. In May of 2008, he had the honor and privilege of giving the First Salute to his grandson, Joshua Priebe, during Josh’s graduation ceremony from the Naval Academy in Annapolis. Art was employed by Whirlpool Corporation for 36 years and retired in 1984. On June 23, 1972, he married his loving wife Gloria in LaPorte, IN and they enjoyed 36 happy years together. In addition to his wife Gloria, Art is survived by his children, Larry (Vicky) Lerke of Stevensville, MI, Pamela (Roger) Williams of Clermont, FL, Debbie (Don) Karsen of Watervliet, MI, and Lynn Lerke of St. Joseph. He is also survived by his step-children, Rebecca Priebe of St. Clair, MI, Rachel (Rick) Klug of St. Joseph, MI, and Matthew (Lori) Hulteen of Walled Lake, MI. Also surviving are 18 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Craig, one sister and two brothers. Art was an active, longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church. He also enjoyed many activities including fishing, hunting, and polka dancing, but most of all he enjoyed beating family and friends at shooting pool or a good game of cards. He was always available to help his friends and neighbors, and their love and friendship were a blessing throughout his entire life. Art saw the good in everyone he met, and anyone he met felt the good in Arty.