Donald J. Neuser

Donald J. Neuser, 80, formerly of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph Michigan, passed away peacefully August 17, 2014 at Woodland Terrace in Bridgman, surrounded by family. A visitation will be held Friday, September 12, 2014 from 9:00-11:00 am at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 555 East Delaware Ave, Benton Harbor.  The visitation will be followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 am, officiated by Father William Jacobs, Jr. Final resting place will be Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Saints John & Bernard Parish, Benton Harbor, or the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, and mailed to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Those wishing to share a memory of Donald online are encouraged to do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Donald was born March 24, 1934 in Dubuque, IA to Reinhold & Leona (Ourada) Neuser. He grew up in Benton Harbor, graduating from St. John’s Catholic School in 1952 and then from Michigan State University in 1957.  During this time he also proudly served his country in the United States Army, stationed in Hawaii. Donald married Sharon Bray on December 27, 1957 and together they raised 6 children. He was the owner of Ridge & Kramer Auto Parts in southwestern Michigan until his retirement in 2000. Donald was a hardworking and respected business man, a trusted leader, as well as a devoted husband and father.  He enjoyed his career in the auto parts business, and was a loyal, lifelong friend to people from his work as well as his personal life. He was kindhearted and generous, with a quick witted sense of humor, and always a true gentleman.  He was reserved and dignified, and brought a smile to those around him. He and his wife Sharon both obtained their pilot’s licenses and enjoyed flying together, as well as traveling with family, especially by sea. Donald is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sharon; children, Richard Neuser of Guatemala, Cynthia (Kenneth) Taggart of Palo Alto, CA, Ronald Neuser of St. Paul, MN, Lisa Kubash of St. Joseph, and Christopher (Lisa) Neuser of St. Joseph; nine grandchildren; and brothers Robert (Jane) Neuser of Tempe, AZ, and William (Kate) Neuser of White Lake, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents, and daughter Patricia Neuser.