Charles Berk

Charles Berk, 84, of St. Joseph, passed away Friday, February 1, 2013 at Rivercrest Specialty Hospital in Mishawaka, IN. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 7, 2013 at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4333 Cleveland Road, Stevensville, MI, with Rev. Phillip G. Quardokus officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may visit from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church. Those wishing to share a memory of Charles may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Charles was born August 17, 1928 in St. Joseph, MI to Albert & Martha (Klug) Berk. Charles graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1946. In 1948 he enlisted in the naval reserve. He later served in the United States Army as a microwave radio repairman and in charge of the microwave radio terminal at Camp Fuchinobe, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan. On November 22, 1952, he married Adeline Steltner in Baroda, MI. Charles was employed by the laboratory equipment (LECO) and worked there for 44 years and retired in 1996. He started in the production test and service department and was foreman from 1955 to 1970. He then joined the research & development department and was a senior technical advisor in the development specialist group. Charles also worked for the Twin City Coca Cola Co. as maintenance mechanic where he repaired soft drink and vending machines. Charles was a member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Stevensville and had an Amateur Radio License. In his spare time he enjoyed photography, was an all-around handyman, fixing electronics and assisted in building both his homes. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed his help. Charles is survived by his daughter Kathleen (Robert) Ross of Benton Harbor; granddaughter Karri Kelm of St. Joseph; and many nieces & nephews. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Adeline in 2012, two brothers Louis and Harold Berk and two sisters Agnes Schmidt and Mildred Kettelhut.