Robert Henry Popke

Robert H. Popke, 79, of Eau Claire, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, May 14, 2008. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 671 McAllister, Benton Harbor, MI at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, May 20, 2008. Rev. Martin Weigand will officiate the service. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma. Friends may visit with the family on Monday from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made out to Hospice at Home or Berrien County Cancer Service. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Bob was born on October 3, 1928 to Michael and Lydia (Bomke) Popke in Detroit, MI. He lived all his life in Benton Harbor. Bob graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1946. He retired from Blossom Lanes in Benton Harbor. He married the former Betty Jean Mattner of Benton Harbor in 1950. They raised two daughters, Chryl and Julie. Bob served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War earning an Occupational Medal and National Defense Service Medal. Bob was an active member of the Benton Harbor VFW Post 1137 and Stevensville American Legion. He was an active sportsman, who loved to fish, hunt, and camp. He also enjoyed traveling out west. Bob loved his family and friends, dearly, and he will be greatly missed. Bob is survived by his daughters, Chryl (David) Vinson of Leonard, MI; Julie Popke; grand-children, David Robert Vinson of Rochester, MI, Paul Michael Vinson of Tucson, AZ, Bryan Jeffrey Vinson of Leonard, MI and Alexandra Julianna Popke of Euless, TX; two sisters, Eleanor (Edward) Palma and Esther Schadler both of Benton Harbor; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty (Jean) Popke and a brother, Alfred Popke.