Cornelius John Deruyter

Cornelius “Connie” John DeRuyter, 87, of Benton Harbor, passed away at his home Monday morning, February 11, 2008. He married Atalene Kessie on June 15, 1944. A Gift of Life was requested. He was the oldest in a family of 3 sisters and twin brothers. Survivors include his wife Atalene; two daughters, Karen (Charles) Moser of Watervliet and Deborah (William) Tenter of Coloma; four grandsons; two granddaughters; 4 great-granddaughters; and 2 great-grandsons. Connie graduated from Lake Michigan College with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice while working at Whirlpool Corporation Manufacturing from which he retired as a Security Guard after 35 years. He was a volunteer with the American Red Cross, Berrien County, as First Aid Chairman and Board Member. After retirement, Connie and Atalene worked in Edinburg, Texas and in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in missionary work programs. Connie was also an accomplished chalk talk artist as well as a licensed carpenter. He was an active member of Midway Baptist Church in Watervliet. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Midway Baptist Church, 7517 Red Arrow Highway in Watervliet, on Saturday, February 16, 2008, at 3:00 P.M. Visitation with the family will be from 2:00 to 3:00 at the church just prior to the service. Pastor Mark Cowell will be officiating. Burial will be private at a later date. Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., in St. Joseph, has been entrusted with the arrangements. Memorials may be made to either Midway Baptist Church in Watervliet, the Light Bearers Association, or to Hospice at Home.