Fred Burbach

Fred Burbach, 95, of Benton Harbor was called home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, November 13, 2012, in St. Joseph, Michigan. He was born on December 19, 1916, in Eau Claire, Michigan to Jacob and Susan (Thomas) Burbach at the family farm. Fred became the first Eagle Scout in Berrien County. He was a graduate of Eau Claire High School class of 1934. Fred served his country during World War Two in the United States Army Air Corp, and during the Korean Conflict in the United States Air Force. On June 6, 1942, Fred married the love of his life and best friend of 67 years Dovie Mae Lawson in Walter, OK. Together they built their home in Benton Harbor and started their Electrical Contracting business, Burbach Electric in 1946. Fred owned and operated his business for 35 five years until his retirement. Fred was a Charter member of Napier Parkview Baptist Church serving as Chairman of both Building Committee and Trustee Board during the construction of the Napier facility. Fred also worked tirelessly on many boards and committees during his lifetime. In keeping with his love for missions Fred was also a Charter member of Evangel Baptist Church in Boca Raton Florida. Family and friends will have loving memories of Fred’s love for cooking and entertaining. Other interests were Traveling, Photography, Music, and Golf, playing 2-3 times per week until the end of the 2012 season. (Tied for low net (29) in Thursday Senior League @ Blossom Trails). Fred is survived by daughter Joy (Russ) Reschke of Benton Harbor; grandchildren, Blake (Pollyanna) Reschke of Stevensville, Heather (Danny) Austin of Denver, Colorado and Jenefer (Aguilar) Reschke of Benton Harbor; and two great grandchildren, Estella and Logan Reschke of Stevensville. Fred was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dovie Mae; grandson, Brent Scott Reschke; brothers, Jake, John, and George; and sisters, Kate and Helen. Visitation for Fred will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Friday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road in St. Joseph. A Funeral Service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, November 17, at 11:00 am at Napier Parkview Baptist Church, 245 W. Napier Ave., Benton Harbor. Final resting place will be North Shore Memory Gardens. Memorials may be directed to Napier Parkview Baptist Church. Those wishing to share a memory of Fred online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.