04-16-2020 Tri-City Obituaries

JOHN I. SCHEUER John Scheuer, 83, of Coloma, Michigan passed away on Easter Sunday, April 12, in Benton Harbor. Born July 13, 1936 in Gabos, Yugoslavia, John and his family lived in Vodjinci until forced to flee to Garsten, Austria, where they were refugees from 1944 – 1951. The beauty and relative tranquility of Garsten imprinted deeply on John, and the mountain village remained dear to him throughout his life. In 1951, the family immigrated to the United States and settled in Coloma, where John learned to speak English and graduated high school as senior class president. After high school, he served in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in North Africa and at the Pentagon, and particularly enjoyed his time in the Strategic Air Command, specializing in weather.

After the service, John jumped headfirst into family life, marrying his sweetheart, Lois Brown, and raising four children together. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on April 23. John was a tireless provider for his family, working as corrugator supervisor for Menasha Corporation for 42 years, as well as at his brother’s hardware store. Outside of work, John was the go-to guy if anything was broken. He was handy, talented and interested in everything, enjoying an array of activities over the years, including bowling, gardening, woodworking, fishing, golfing, playing harmonica, sketching and painting, which he continued well into his later life. He was a gifted story teller and always had a funny or fascinating tale from the old country. And every July 4th, he could be found sweating over his trusty Weber kettle, grilling heaps of mouth-watering steaks for his family and friends. But what we will miss most is John’s kind, gentle and fun-loving spirit. He delighted in all children, especially his grandchildren, jumping at any chance to play goofy games with them, teach them German songs and rhymes, or be the most exuberant cheerleader at their sporting events. Winter days found him pushing his snow blower from house to house, clearing driveways for his neighbors. Years ago, John built a swing, hung it from a ridiculously high tree branch in his yard and proceeded to thrill his kids—and then grandkids—by sending them soaring to dangerous heights. He invited everyone he knew to swim in the pool he constructed—never has an above ground pool served so many, for so many decades. On his 70th birthday, he flew in a glider. And in his passing, we rejoice that he is free to fly once more. John will always be dearly loved. Until we meet again, he will live on in the memories of his wife, Lois, siblings Tony (Virginia) Scheuer, and Elisabeth (the late John Koerts) Scheuer, brother-in-law Bill (Eileen) Abler, children David (Heather) Scheuer, Julie (Dan) Smith, Linda (Jim) Goering, and Marina (Wes) McCreary, 11 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, as well as cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He is predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Eva Scheuer, brothers Joža and Mira, sisters Barbara (the late George) Wolfram, and Theresa Abler. Due to current quarantine guidelines, a service will be held at a later date at Duffield & Pastrick Funeral Home in Coloma. In remembrance of John, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of choice.

JAMES (JIM) WELCH James (Jim) Welch of North Ft. Myers, Florida, formerly Watervliet, died Thursday, April 9, 2020, at Willows Assisted Living in St. Joseph. Jim’s life began October 13, 1939 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a graduate of Western Michigan University. Jim settled in Watervliet and farmed blueberries. He and his loving wife Peggy retired to Florida several years ago. Jim was a pilot, an avid banjo player, golfer and Harley rider. Jim leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory including, his wife of 49 years Peggy (Fisher) Welch, two children Amy Sirmans and Rick Sabadin, two granddaughters Shyla and Grace, a sister Elle Boyles, nieces and nephews. His parents Irvin and Jennie Welch and brother Dick Welch preceded Jim in death. Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet is assisting Jim’s family with cremation arrangements and they will celebrate his life at a later date. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for his family at hutchinsfuneral.com

WILLIAM “BILL” JESSE RUSSELL Jr. William Jesse “Bill” Russell Jr., age 94, long time resident of Watervliet, Michigan, passed away April 7, 2020 at Morning Breeze Retirement Center in Greensburg, Indiana where he was a resident for the last five years.

Bill was born to parents William Jesse Russell Sr. and Velma Vera Wallace on July 4, 1925 in Memphis, Tennessee. After spending his early years in East Prairie, Missouri and serving in the Civilian Conservation Corps he relocated to Watervliet, Michigan where he lived most of his adult life. It was there that Bill met and on May 23, 1948, married Leona Clinard, his wife of 66 years. Bill was preceded in death by his father and mother, his wife Leona, who passed away June 28, 2014, as well as by three brothers, two sisters, and one half-sister. He is survived by two sons, Richard E (Debra) Russell of Asheville, North Carolina and James G. (Wendy) Russell of Greensburg, Indiana; six grandchildren, Bryan, Jennifer, Jason, Adam, James, and Erin; several great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and by one half-brother. Bill was retired from the Watervliet Paper Company and during his life in Watervliet he regularly attended the Watervliet First United Methodist Church. He loved music and spent countless hours listening to, recording and cataloging his collection. He also enjoyed gardening, and traveling and was especially proud of his “R” tree; two maple trees he started as saplings and grafted together to grow into the shape of the letter R. A family only graveside service was held at Watervliet Cemetery on April 11. Hutchins Funeral Home assisted Bill’s family with arrangements. You may leave a message of comfort for his family at hutchinsfuneral.com. Memorial donations may be made to Plymouth Congregational Church, 123 First St., P.O. Box 275, Watervliet MI 49098.

Death Notices Phyllis Leatrice (Harper) Philyaw, 88, of Watervliet died April 13, 2020, at home. Purely Cremations – Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Benton Harbor Ron L. Christopher Sr., 70, of St. Joseph died April 10, 2020 at Hanson Hospice Center, Stevensville. Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, St. Joseph Phillip Nadeau, 88, of Covert died April 10, 2020 at home. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Coloma Ruth M. Stubalt, 92, formerly of Benton Township died April 9, 2020 at The Willows, St. Joseph. Fairplain Chapel – Florin Funeral Service, Benton Harbor Felix W. Bauer, 90, of Bangor died April 7, 2020 at home. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Coloma Richard A. Dolph, 60, of Bridgman died April 7, 2020 at home. Duffield & Patrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Coloma Edward N. Yetzke, 96, of Atlanta, Texas, formerly of St. Joseph died April 4, 2020. Queen City Funeral Home, Queen City TX