Gary S. Hardt

Gary S. Hardt, 63, of St. Joseph passed away Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., with Pastor Thomas Batsky officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma. Friends may visit from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Monday September 3, 2012 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Berrien County Cancer Service, Autism Speaks or donor’s choice. Those wishing to share a memory of Gary online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Gary was born October 9, 1948 in St. Joseph, MI to Thomas & Glendora (Hays) Hardt. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1968. Gary served his county in the United States Army. On May 1, 1971 he married Jeanne Clark in St. Joseph. Gary worked for Lakeland Hospital as a Maintenance Mechanic. Gary was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, National Rifle Association, Travel Trailer Club of the Midwest, and the Blossomland Chapter. In his spare time he enjoyed camping, hunting, cheering on the Green Bay Packers and spending time with family. Gary loved to help others and was an inspiration to us all. Gary is survived by his wife Jeanne Hardt of St. Joseph; daughter Lisa (Dan) Seitz of Sodus; son Justin (Rebecca) Hardt of St. Joseph; six grandchildren Adara (Chris) Miller, Jonathon Philyaw, Madison Seitz, Zachary Wheeler, Eliza Wheeler, and Zoey Hardt; great grandchild Orion Miller; sister Gay (Patrick) Story of Stevensville; brother-in-law Mike Clark of St. Joseph; nephew Patrick (Alisha) Story II; nieces Michele and Sarah Story; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and three great nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his parents.