Norman Rothenberg

Obit to run in Tuesday ‘s paper with a black and white photo Norman Rothenberg, 83, of St. Joseph, formerly of Benton Harbor, passed away on Saturday, September 22, 2007, at Lakeland Continuing Care in St. Joseph with his loving family by his side. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 P.M., on Friday, September 28, 2007, at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Cremation will follow with interment at a later date in Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. The Rev. Dr. Bob Braman of First Congregational Church, St. Joseph, will be officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 5-7 P.M., on Thursday, September 27, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Betty Rothenberg Memorial Choir Fund at Saron Lutheran Church, St. Joseph. Friends may send the family a condolence message or sign the guest book on-line at www.starks-menchinger.com. Norman was born to Fred and Elizabeth (Unger) Rotenburger in Benton Harbor, MI in 1924 and was a lifelong area resident. He attended Benton Harbor High School. He married Betty Samuelson on February 5, 1944 in St. Joseph, and she preceded him in death on December 6, 2004. He was formerly employed by Clark Equipment Co. of Buchanan and was a member of the local Moose Lodge and Saron Lutheran Church. He enjoyed reading, camping, fishing and walking on the Piers. He was also sometimes known as “The Duke” because of his resemblance to John Wayne. Norman is survived by two daughters, Caryl (Jim) Meister of St. Joseph and Patricia (Roger) Dorn of Saugatuck, one granddaughter, Amie (Bret) Witkowski of St. Joseph, two great-granddaughters, Elizabeth and Emily Witkowski of St. Joseph, one sister and brother-in-law, Elma (Allen) Rosewell of St. Petersburg, FL, brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Bob and Beverly Samuelson of St. Joseph, a sister-in-law, Shirley Timm of Sarasota, FL, and several nieces and nephews. Norman was preceded in death by his two brothers, Walter Rothenburger and Alfred Rothenberg and his parents.