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Carlo Paul Manning
BENTON HARBOR - Baby boy, Carlo Paul Manning of Benton Harbor, passed away on Friday, Aug. 7, 2009, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph. He was the cherished son of Tracy Manning of Benton Harbor.
A Catholic Graveside Service will take place at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Crystal Springs Cemetery, 1655 E. Napier, Benton Harbor, with Fr. William Jacobs officiating. Memorials may be made to the family. Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Carlo is survived by his mother, Tracy of Benton Harbor; grandparents, Ann (Bob) Smith of Coloma; brothers, Vernon and Gabriel Ullig, Tye and Colten Megna; great-uncles, Mike Wilford, Paul (Cindy) Wilford and uncle, Ryan Smith, and cousins, Lindsey and Cameron Smith and Michael Wilford.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Terry Manning.
Timika Lynette Woodard
DOWAGIAC - Timika's life began on June 2, 1970 in Minden, La., the daughter of Horace R. and Wilma Jean (Henry) Woodard. She was a 1988 graduate of Dowagiac Union High School and graduated from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Timika worked in security for Delta Airlines. She enjoyed life and her friends. Timika loved children and was always full of life.
Her loving family includes her parents, Wilma Jean Woodard of Dowagiac and Horace Rufus Woodard of Benton Harbor; children, Dominique M. Lee of Dowagiac and DeCarlo E. Woodard of Riverdale, Ga.; sister, Kyon Woodard of Indianapolis; and brothers, Anthony (Sandra) Henry of Riverdale and LeVance Henry of Dowagiac; two godbrothers, Shawn Bolton of Lansing, Mich., and Armando Caesar of Detroit; two godsisters, Adriza and Adrima Caesar, both of Detroit; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Timika passed away at her home on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009.
Her family will receive friends on Friday from noon until 2 p.m. at Second Baptist Church, where her home-going service will be held at 2 p.m., led by Pastor Tonnie Blackamore. She will be laid to rest in Mission Hills Cemetery, Niles. Memorial contributions may be directed to Wilma Jean Woodard. McLauchlin-Clark Funeral Home, Dowagiac is serving the family.
Gerald N. Beal, M.D.
ST. JOSEPH - Gerald N. Beal, M.D., 83, of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, surrounded by his loving family.
Dr. Beal was born on Aug. 23, 1925, in Wyandotte, Mich., the son of Rolla L. and Lena (Kircher) Beal. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte and continued his education at the University of Michigan, where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi honor society, graduating in 1947 with a bachelor of science degree, with the honor distinction of Phi Beta Kappa. In 1954, he graduated from the University of Michigan School of Medicine with a certificate of proficiency in internal medicine. Dr. Beal served a two-year internship at University Hospital in Ann Arbor, with affiliations at Munson General Hospital in Traverse City and Mercy Hospital in Benton Harbor. He completed his residency and was an instructor in the Internal Medicine Department at University Hospital, with affiliation at Midland Hospital, Midland. In 1954, Dr. Beal opened his private practice in St. Joseph, becoming a member of the staff at Memorial Hospital. In 1962, he was named chief of staff at Memorial Hospital. Dr. Beal was a member of the American Medical Association, the Berrien County Medical Society, serving as past president, and was a past deputy medical examiner for Berrien County. He practiced medicine in the community until his retirement in December of 1994. Dr. Beal was a true professional to his patients, taking the time for direct patient care, and he was deeply respected and admired by his patients and colleagues.
On Dec. 14, 1952, he married Eileen Heritz of St. Joseph, and they were deeply devoted to one another for more than 50 years of marriage, enjoying life to the fullest. Eileen preceded him in death in 2006.
Dr. Beal is survived by his children - Julianne (Jon) Robinson of Jackson, Steven (Deborah) Beal of Novato, Calif., Nancy (Alain) Bernigaud of Norman, Okla., and Caroline (Russell) Szwabowski of St. Joseph; grandchildren - Katherine and Nora Robinson, Garrett and Weston Beal and Nathalie Bernigaud; stepgrandchildren - Benjamin, Sarah, and Samuel Szwabowski; brother, Dr. James L. Beal of West Des Moines, Iowa; and nephew, John (Kathy) Bagley of Omaha, Neb.
Dr. Beal was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and stepsister, Edith Bagley.
In his professional and private life, Dr. Beal had a quick wit and an abundance of wisdom that he shared with all who knew him. Although he grew up in and had fond memories of the Detroit area, he considered St. Joseph his home and was an enthusiastic promoter of all that the area had to offer, remaining here after his retirement. Dr. Beal would take long bicycle trips throughout Berrien County, returning with stories of the obscure places he had been and the interesting people he had met. He loved to read and had an immense library. Dr. Beal had a love of photography and developed many of his own pictures. He was a true student of history and loved taking his family on vacations along the back roads of the United States. Dr. Beal's generosity extended throughout the community, where he was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, The Heritage Center, the Krasl Art Center, the Twin Cities Area Literacy Council and the Berrien County Sportsman's Club. Dr. Beal shared a wonderful family life with his wife, Eileen, his children and grandchildren, who were often joined by many friends who were considered extended family. One of Dr. Beal's philosophies was "Happiness in life is the journey itself, and not a place to arrive at." Dr. Beal lived a full, abundant life and will be forever loved, honored and remembered.
Friends called from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road. A Celebration of Life service was held at 10:30 a.m. today at Trinity Lutheran Church, officiated by the Rev. Thomas Batsky and the Rev. Michael Roth; burial followed in Riverview Cemetery. Friends wishing to send a condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the University of Michigan Medical School, the Heritage Center in St. Joseph, Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph, or the American Cancer Society.
Jeannette C. Bower
ST. JOSEPH - Jeannette C. Bower, 96, of St. Joseph, died Aug. 7, 2009, at Lakeland Continuing Care in St. Joseph.
Family services will be held at a later date and cremation has taken place. The Dey-Florin Chapel of Florin Funeral Service in St. Joseph is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Parkinson's Disease Association.
Jeannette was born on Sept. 26, 1912, in Marion, Ind., to Charles and Maggie Curran. She moved to Benton Harbor in 1929 and started work at Sears. Jeannette worked for Sears as an audit clerk until her retirement in 1967. She married her husband, Frank "Pete" Bower on June 27, 1936, in Berrien Springs, and he preceded her in death on Jan. 18, 1992. Together, they celebrated 55 years of marriage. She enjoyed cooking and was the best mother to her family.
She is survived by her daughter, Jean Bower of St. Joseph; her granddaughter, Sandi Devine of St. Joseph; her great-granddaughter, Leslie Diehl of St. Joseph; her sister, Mildred Buffalow of Clear Lake Oaks, Calif., and her brother, Richard Curran, of Georgetown, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and five sisters.
Brenda J. Gaines
BENTON HARBOR - Brenda J. Gaines, 58, of Benton Harbor, went to be with the Lord on Friday, July 31, 2009.
A celebration of life service will be held Wednesday, Aug. 12, at noon, at Robbins Brothers Funeral Home, 204 S. Fair, with Pastor Robert L. DeFrance officiating. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to noon, with the funeral following at noon.
Brenda was born Aug. 20, 1950, in Benton Harbor, to the late Thomas Head and Virginia L. Head.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory: her husband, John Gaines; three daughters - Nicki (Don) Roberson of Benton Harbor, Brandi Atkins of Arkansas, and Tobi Gaines of Benton Harbor; three sons - Louis Atkins, John Atkins and Thomas Gaines, all of Benton Harbor; 17 grandchildren; one goddaughter, Melinda Napier; one aunt, Charlie Mae Morris; one brother, Earl (Pamela) Head of Benton Harbor; one sister, Carolyn Shorter of Chicago; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Ozanna Reed
BENTON HARBOR - Ozanna Reed, 90, of Benton Harbor, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph.
Mrs. Reed was born Feb. 10, 1919, in Hawkinsville, Ga., to Eddie Sr. and Emma Clark, who preceded her in death. She confessed hope in Christ at an early age in Hawkinsville. After moving to Benton Harbor, she married her husband, Enos Reed, on June 10, 1956.
Mrs. Reed was a professional cook and a seamstress.
She joined Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in 1985 under the leadership of Rev. Walter L. Brown. She served on the Mother's Board until her health failed her.
She leaves to cherish fond memories of her husband, Enos Reed; three daughters - Murilene Reed Smith of Detroit, Ruth Reed (Terry) Clark of Memphis, Tenn., and Betty Reed Williams of Tampa. Fla.; one sister, Velma Clark-Bridgman of Benton Harbor; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a special nephew, Willie Clark, who she thought of as a son; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Eddie and Emma Clark I; two sisters, Emma Clark-Humbles and Jane Clark-Leegrier, and nine brothers - Eddie Clark Jr., James Clark, Nathan Clark, Willie Clark, Albert Lee Clark, Artis T. Clark, Otis Clark I, Robert H. Clark and George Clark.
A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Benton Harbor, with the Rev. Walter Brown as the officiating minister. Visitation will be held beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Family hour will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Interment will be in Crystal Springs Cemetery, Benton Harbor. Final arrangements are entrusted to Robbins Brothers Funeral Home, Benton Harbor.
Sigmund A. Werner
NILES - Sigmund A. Werner, 79, of Niles, died Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, at his home peacefully with his family gathered around him.
Sigmund was born on Jan. 21, 1930, in Stuttgart-Hofen, Germany, to Franz and Josefine (Muehleck) Werner. He moved to Niles in 1968 from Germany. In 1988 he retired after 20 years of service from National Standard Company in Niles.
He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Niles. He was also a member of the DANK in Benton Harbor. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and creating and inventing gadgets and things in his shop at home. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and making things for them.
On Jan. 21, 1956, in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt, Germany, he married the former Anni Jelen, who survives. Also surviving are three daughters - twins, Gudrun Werner-Prestine and Dagmar (Bob) Benner, both of Niles, and Barbara (Jeff) Cripps of Novi, Mich.; grandchildren - Tony (Jenny) Prestine, Michelle (TJ) Kushierek, Alex (Brittney) Benner, and Tonya and Stephanie Cripps; great-grandchildren - Mitchell, Tyler, Aubrey and Alexis; and sister, Hedy Stoll of Karlsruhe, Germany.
He was preceded in death by his grandson, Henry Benner, who died Jan. 8, 2003; brothers - Erwin, Hugo, Paul and Bernhard Werner, and sister, Eugenie Werner.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Sigmund A. Werner will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 10, at St. Mary Catholic Church, by the Rev. William T. Melody of Notre Dame, Ind. Committal Rites will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Niles.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles, with recitation of The Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Contributions in memory of Sigmund A. Werner may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or Hospice at Home or DANK.
