Donald R. Kasischke

Donald R. Kasischke, 85, of Stevensville, passed away Monday, August 4, 2014 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated  9:30 AM Friday, August 8, 2014 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Church Street, St. Joseph with Father William J. Jacobs, Jr. officiating.  Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery with military rites performed by North Berrien Military Rites Team.  Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM Thursday, with Liturgical Prayers recited at 7:00 P.M. August 7, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph.  Memorials may be made to Lake Michigan Catholic Schools or Birthright.  Those wishing to sign Don’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Don was born June 19, 1929 in St. Joseph, Michigan to Julius and Lydia (Reinhardt) Kasischke.  He graduated from St. Joseph High School Class of 1947, and served his country in the US Air Force during the Korean War.  On May 9, 1953 he married the former Shirley Flood in St. Joseph.  Don retired in 1993 from the Benton Harbor post office where he served as a letter carrier for 35 years. Don was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Elks and American Legion Baseball. He enjoyed reading, golfing &, dancing, and boating on Lake Michigan.  Don was a University of Michigan fan and enjoyed Saturday afternoons watching their basketball and football games with his family.  Sunday afternoons would include a trip to Sherman’s Dairy in South Haven for ice cream followed by the St. Joseph band concert. Donald is survived by his wife Shirley; sons Michael (Karen) Kasischke and Patrick (Heidi) Kasischke both of St. Joseph; one grandaughter Kelley (Joseph) Kudia of Brandon, Florida; two great grandchildren Owen & Riley Kudia; and a brother Harold (Kathy) Kasischke of St. Joseph.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Betty Spletzer.