Richard James Garlanger

Richard James “Dick” Garlanger died in his home Friday, August 14, 2015 in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He was 85 years old. He was born in Benton Harbor on June 28, 1930 to his parents Charles “Chuck” Garlanger and Mary J. Houart. He graduated high school from Saint John’s Catholic School in 1949 where he excelled in football and track. On February 2, 1952 he married Ruth Ann Shafer and together they shared the last 63 years. Dick had a deep love and devotion to his family. Dick was a brick mason, contractor, builder, and locksmith by trade. He was the owner of both Garlanger Construction and Ace Locksmith Service. Dick served 11 years in the U.S. Naval Reserves and as a Civil Defense Rescue Squad Instructor for Berrien County. He was a volunteer, auxiliary fireman and constable for the city of Benton Harbor for many years. He was a passionate supporter of scouting, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout and serving as Scout Master of Troop 24 and Explorer Adviser of Post 24 in Saint Joseph, MI. He also served as Explorer Adviser of Post 8 in Benton Harbor, MI Dick was a lifetime member of Saint John, the Evangelist Catholic Church, Benton Harbor, where he served as a member of the advisory and finance councils for over 50 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Joan E. Hryshko and Delores “Honey” Phillips. He is survived by his wife Ruth Ann, sons David (Joni) of Sodus and Daniel of Saint Joseph, daughters Mary Lisa Garlanger of Rohnert Park, CA and Diann (John) Payne of Indianapolis, IN., brothers Charles (Jackie) and Robert (Sue) and sister Doris Bauman and 13 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at St. John Catholic Church, 600 Columbus St. Benton Harbor, with Father German Perez-Diaz officiating. Private burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Catholic Church or Hospice at Home. Those wishing to sign Dick’s guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com.