Michael Edward Kiewel

Benton Harbor, MI. – Michael Edward Kiewel, 73, of Benton Harbor, MI., went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 4, 2010. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 10, 2010 at St. John's Catholic Church, 600 Columbus Ave. in Benton Harbor. The visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 9th at Starks and Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. A rosary will follow the visitation at 5:00 p.m. The internment will be at Calvary Cemetery. The family has requested that memorial contributions be given to Lake Michigan Catholic Schools. Michael was born on December 13, 1936 in Crookston, MN to Edward and Frances (Rogers) Kiewel. He married Marguerite Grzeszczyk on June 13, 1959 in South Bend, IN. Following his graduation from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering, he and his bride moved to San Diego, CA where he took a job with General Dynamics. Michael worked extensively on the Atlas Missile Project and was also the senior a flight test engineer for the F-111 fighter jets. When he acquired his Professional Engineering licensure he managed the office of RW Petrie and Associates in Benton Harbor, MI. Then he later worked as a Professional Engineer for Wightman and Associates retiring in 2008. Mikes true passion was his love of Aircraft, Notre Dame Football and the Minnesota Vikings. Michael is survived by his seven children, Edward (Barbara) Kiewel of Atlanta, GA; Kathleen (Mark) Stoneburner of Scotts, MI; Rachel (David) Thayer of Kalamazoo, MI; Dennis (Lisa) Kiewel of Bridgman, MI; Rebecca (John) Vojtko of St. Joseph, MI; Jennifer (Michael) Duren of Sault St. Marie, MI and Sarah (Ben) Burlingame of St. Joseph, MI. He is also survived by his brothers, Benjamin (Beverly) Kiewel and John (Mae) Kiewel both from Brainerd, MN; his sisters, Connie (Mark) Parenteau of Brooks, MN and Diane Epema of Arizona and 23 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Michael was preceded in death by his wife, Marguerite in 2009, his parents Edward and Frances, his brother, Anthony, and his brother-in-law, Kenneth Epema. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the memory book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.