Edward William Laviolette

Edward William LaViolette, 80, of St. Joseph, passed away Friday evening, May 9, 2008, at Caretel Inns of Royalton in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at 11:30 A.M. at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road in St. Joseph, with Pastor Joel Kruggel officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 to 11:30 A.M. just prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made to either the St. Joseph Township Lion’s Club or to the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan. Those wishing to send the family a message of condolence may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Edward was born May 15, 1927, to Charles and Alvina LaViolette in Benton Harbor, MI. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII in the Pacific Theater. On October 21, 1950, he married Cora “Betty” Richards in Benton Harbor. Together they had one son, Richard. Edward worked for many years for the U.S. Postal Service before becoming the Post Master of Bridgman, Michigan. He was active in the St. Joseph Township Lion’s Club and previously in the Elk’s Lodge. Edward is survived by his wife Betty of 57 years; son, Richard (Amalia) La Violette of Fenton, MO; and by his grandchildren, Justine and Adam La Violette. Preceding Edward in death were his parents, Charles and Alvina La Violette.