Charles E. Mickel

Charles E. Mickel, 82, of Benton Harbor, passed away Tuesday evening, March 18, 2008, at his home surrounded by his family after fighting a courageous battle with cancer for nearly five years. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., Monday, March 24, 2008, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 600 Columbus Ave, in Benton Harbor, with Fr. Bill Jacobs officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held Sunday evening, March 23, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., with the Rosary recited at 7:30 P.M., at Starks & Mechinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice at Home, Ss. John & Bernard Parish, or to the Berrien County Humane Society. Charles was born November 8, 1925, in Benton Harbor. He was one of two children born to Charles & Bessie Mickel. Charles graduated from St. Joseph Catholic School. He went on to proudly serve his country during WWII serving in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He received many honors of distinction including the Purple Heart. He was a long-time member of VFW Post #1037. On November 15, 1947, he married the ‘love of his life’ Leatha Polstin. Recently they celebrated their 60 wedding anniversary. Together they had 3 daughters, Laura, Charlene, and Kathleen. Charles enjoyed “putting around the house and could fix anything.” He and his wife were long-time members of St. John’s Catholic Church. Charles was an avid Notre Dame fan. His family will remember him as a “loving and caring father and husband” who cherished time spent with his family. Charles is survived by his wife Leatha of 60 years; daughters, Laura (David) Cox of St. Joseph, Charlene (James) Roland of Benton Harbor, and Kathleen (Thomas) Seeley of St. Joseph; 5 grandchildren, David, Kristin, Jamie, Aubrey, & Jessica; 5 great-grandchildren, Seneca, Alexis, Vanessa, Jack, & Olivia; sister, Maxine Mickel of Iowa City, IA; and by his faithful K-9 companion, Eddie. In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his great-grandson, Jacob.