Donald G. Deckert

Donald Godfried Deckert, 79, of St. Joseph, passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2007, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 A.M., on Friday, January 26, 2007, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 619 Market, St. Joseph with Rev. Thomas Batsky officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family from 5-8 P.M., Thursday evening, January 25, at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Hospice at Home, or Berrien County Cancer Service. Friends may send the family a condolence message or sign the guest book on-line at www.starks-menchinger.com. Donald was born September 21, 1927, to Gottfried and Julia (Heyn) Deckert. Donald was a long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church and served as a deacon and elder. He was also a member of the American Legion in Stevensville. Donald worked for 42 years for the Herald Palladium and later retired from the St. Joseph School System at Lincoln Elementary School. “He never met a stranger and went out of his way to help people.” He adored his grandchildren and loved attending their events. Donald loved bragging about his entire family. Donald is survived by his devoted wife, Virginia Deckert; children, Vickie (Dan) Driver of Benton Heights, MI; Kathy (Mark) Hasse of St. Joseph, MI; Patti (Jeff) Caple of Madison, AL; and Chris (Sarah) Deckert of Bridgman, MI; three sisters: Elsie Schwoebel of St. Joseph, Anna Varney of Stevensville and Christine Thumm of St. Joseph; eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one grandson, Jacob Caple.