Edward James Dorstewitz

Edward James Dorstewitz, 58, died in Christ November 6, 2007, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph, as a result of an illness contracted do to exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. Edward is survived by his loving and devoted wife Margaret “Chooch”; daughter Stephanie o f Berrien Township; sons, Sean of Berrien Township, Benjamin of Bridgeport, Ct, Matthew at home. Edward is also survived by his mother and father in law Marvin and Margaret LaVanway; his brothers, Lee LaVanway (Rebecca Kessinger) and Marc LaVanway (Cindy), and sister Marcie LaVanway (Ted Strong). In addition to many neices and nephews, aunts, and uncles, Edward leaves behind a close family friend, Chana Smith, and special friends, Connie and Mitchel Hirsch. Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Nancy Emma and Virgil Dean. Edward was born in Benton Harbor, MI, to Virgil and Emma (Gains) Dorstewitz on December 28, 1948. He graduated from Coloma High School where he was a star athlete. He went on to earn an engineering degree from Ferris State University. Upon completion, Ed returned home to join his father at Tru Point Products, INC. in Coloma. Soon after joining Tru Point, Ed was valiantly called to serve his county for two tours in Vietnam where he was awarded the Purple Heart and honors for duty above and beyond the call. At the time of his death, Edward was owner and president of Tru Point. Nothing brought Ed more pleasure than having his wife, sons, and daughter join him at Tru Point. Ed’s many accomplishments include several patents, one of which he proudly owns with his son, Benjamin. At the age of 5, Ed won the title of World Champion Baton twirler. Ed’s hobbies included watching sunsets with his family from their Silver Beach home. He also enjoyed sailing on Lake Michigan with his wife and kids. His time spent racing “Seasmoke” with his sons was one of his greatest pleasures. Ed was a former member of the St. Joseph River Yacht Club, current member of the Economic Club of Southwestern Michigan, and member of St. John’s/St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. His dedication to his wife and kids was the finest example of unconditional love. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing his gentle heart and warm loving smile. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, November 8, at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, in St. Joseph. The Rosary will be said at 7:30 P.M. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, November 9, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 600 Columbus Road, in Benton Harbor. Father David Adams and Father Bill Jacobs will co-celebrate. Burial will follow at Caldwell Cemetery in Eau Claire, MI with Military Rites. A luncheon will be served at the Friends in Faith Church in Eau Claire. Memorials in Edward’s name may be made to the St. Joseph Junior Foundation Sailing School in St. Joseph, MI. The family asks that you remember Ed with a smile and say a prayer for peace in this world that he loved so greatly.