George W. Gatchell

George W. Gatchell, 92, of Bridgman, formerly of Eau Claire, passed away Sunday evening, February 4, 2007, at Jordan’s Nursing Home in Bridgman. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, February 8, 2007, at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., with Pastor Dr. John Hosler officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma. Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. George was born April 12, 1914, in Benton Harbor. He was one of seven children born to William & Hannah Gatchell. On August 28, 1938, he married Charlotte L. Navrotzke in St. Joseph. Together they managed their family farm in Eau Claire. He was a longtime member of Napier Parkview Baptist Church in Benton Harbor. George was passionate about farming. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing and particularly looked forward to his frequent fishing trips to Canada. Additionally he enjoyed playing Pinochle and other card games with his family and friends. George is survived by his children, Warren D. (Margie) Gatchell of Eau Claire and Marge (Duane) Garland of Benton Harbor; 8 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; his brother, William Gatchell, and by his sisters, Minnie Webb and Hazel De Schaaf all of Benton Harbor In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Charlotte of 68 years in November; his brother, Arthur Gatchell; and by his sisters, Dorothy Prince and Grace Stevenson.