Erwin H. Mantei

Erwin H. Mantei, 90, of St. Joseph, passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2005, at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 A.M., on Wednesday, July 6, 2005, at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Rev. Msgr. Thomas Martin officiating. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may call on the family from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., on Tuesday, July 5, 2005, at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice at Home of Stevensville. Friends may send the family a condolence message or sign the guest book on-line at www.starks-menchinger.com. Erwin was born to Rudy and Paulina Mantei on September 8, 1914, in Benton Harbor. He attended St. Joseph High School. He married Mary Radler in 1934 in Benton Harbor. Erwin worked for Whirlpool Corporation as a crib attendant until he retired in 1977. Erwin enjoyed fishing in Lake Michigan, gardening, cooking, and baking for his family. He was also an avid animal lover. Erwin is survived by his children- Erwin J. (Doris) Mantei of Springfield, MO and Al Mantei of St. Joseph; grandchildren- Debbie Puckett of St. Joseph, Mike (Laurie) Mantei of St. Joseph, Marcia (Rich) Valha of Stevensville, Missy (Phil) Sobottke of St. Joseph, Todd (Dena) Mantei of Camarilla, CA, and Joe, Karelee, Mary Elizabeth, Christopher, and Rachael Mantei all of Springfield, MO; six great-grandchildren; and one cousin Gene Mantei of St. Joseph. Erwin was preceded in death by his parents; wife Mary in 1990; daughter-in-law Carol Ann Mantei in 1999; sisters- Sylvia Reinhardt and Irmagard Case; and brother Bob Montei.