Bruce Wightman

Bruce Wightman, 73, of St. Joseph, MI passed away Friday, August 2, 2013 at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Service, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Pastor Dr. Christopher Noffke officiating. Friends may visit from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home, Berrien County Cancer Service or the Sarett Nature Center. Those wishing to share a memory of Bruce online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Bruce was born November 2, 1939 in Benton Harbor, MI to G.L. (Lynn) & Claire (Holm) Wightman. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School and then attended Western Michigan University where he received his bachelor’s degree. On December 27, 1980 he married Jane (Cottrell) Soos of St. Joseph, MI. Bruce worked for Wightman & Associates, a civil engineering firm founded by his father, for several years before the firm was sold. Bruce was the Director of Public Works & Parks in Michigan & Florida for many years. In his spare time he enjoyed crossword puzzles, nature and working outdoors. Bruce is survived by his daughters Laurie (Hans) Schmidt of Stevensville, and Diane Landeck of St. Joseph; stepsons John (Katherine) Soos IV of Florida, and Todd (Noreen) Soos of Berrien Springs; seven grandchildren Spencer, Connor, Max, Erik, Alex, Austin, and Chase. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.