Richard J. Lemire

ST. JOSEPH – Richard J. Lemire, Sr., 81, of St. Joseph, passed away on Wednesday, May 23, 2007, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph. A service celebrating his life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 26, at St. Peter’s Church, 623 Church Street, St. Joseph with Rev. Melanie Lawrence officiating. Burial will follow in North Shore Memory Gardens in Hagar Shores with military rites conducted by Coloma American Legion # 362, Benton Harbor VFW # 1137, and Watervliet VFW # 6803. Friends may visit with the family on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with a service conducted by BPOE St. Joseph Lodge # 541 at 7:30. Memorial donations may be made to the church. Friends may send the family a condolence message or sign the guest book on-line at www.starks-menchinger.com. Richard was born on July 22, 1925, to Edmund and Henrietta (Neuman) Lemire, in Ludington, MI. He proudly served his country during World War II during which he was a paper processor for the United States Navy. On October 4, 1958, he married Betty Louise Coffey. She preceded him in death on July 18, 1997. He was an assistant treasurer for Michigan Fruit Canners. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, and spending time with his family. He was a life member of the St. Joseph Elks Lodge #541. He is survived by two sons, Michael (Kathy) Lemire of Stevensville and Richard (Peggy) Lemire of St. Joseph; his siblings, Bruce (Eileen) Lemire, Claire (Elaine) Wheaton, Mary Lou (Dick) Purucker, and Pat (Jim) Case; and a brother in-law and sister in-law, Walt and Irene Riemland of St. Joseph. In addition to his wife, Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his mother in-law, Hattie Riemland; and a sister, Maxine Wagner.