Elroy August Oberheu

Elroy August Oberheu, 89, of St. Joseph, Michigan, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at his home. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, November 28, 2011 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma, Michigan. Friends may visit from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Sunday, November 27, 2011. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in St. Joseph or Hospice at Home. Those wishing to share a memory may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Elroy was born on January 12, 1922 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Walter and Meta Oberheu. He was a graduate of Rufus King High School in Milwaukee and Michigan State University. Mr. Oberheu served as a medical/surgical assistant in the Army during World War II from 1941 until 1945. On August 21, 1948, Elroy married Vivian Louise Crouch of Lansing, Michigan. The couple enjoyed 63 years of Marriage. Mr. Oberheu began his working career at Michigan Fruit Canners in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He later worked for Superior Steel Castings as a foundry chemist and Leco Corporation where he was fondly remembered for his work with wet chemistry. Mr. Oberheu retired from Leco in 1996. Elroy was always a joy to be with. He had many interests including: golf, gardening, playing cards and music. He was accomplished on both the guitar and violin. Elroy spent many hours volunteering with the church and area school tutoring programs. He also had a special talent for woodworking and completed many home remodeling projects. Elroy was a long time active member of the Peace Temple United Methodist church in Benton Harbor, where he sang in the choir and played in the bell choir. At the time of his death, he was a member of the First United Methodist Church in St. Joseph. Elroy is survived by his wife, Vivian, and seven Children: Richard (Dorothy) St. Joseph; Dennis, St. Petersburg, Florida; Douglas (Betsy) Dunedin, Florida; Walter (Laura) Allegan, Carol (Oberheu) Owsianka (Ed) Bradenton, Florida; Robert (Julia) Stevensville; Thomas, Davenport, Iowa. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grand children.