Obituary of Rick Gitersonke

Richard L. Gitersonke, 74, of Benton Harbor, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at University Chicago Hospital, following an illness. Rick was born to the late Fred and Pearl (Bender) Gitersonke on July 4, 1941 in St. Joseph, Michigan. After graduating from Berrien Springs High School in 1960, he served his country proudly in the United States Air Force. On August 13, 1966, Rick wed Jean M. Eberhart at a ceremony in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Richard finished his career with the Whirlpool Corporation after 40 years of dedicated service. He was an outdoors-man and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He could be found from time to time feeding the families horses apples and peppermints. He also enjoyed helping his neighbors with harvesting their crops. He is preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, Jack and Vernon Gitersonke and a sister, Shirley Gitersonke and a brother-in-law William Kulich. Richard is survived by his wife Jean Gitersonke of Benton Harbor, his two daughters, Heather (Adrian) Quint of Bridgman and Andrea Gitersonke of Benton Harbor, his son, Joseph (Lisa) Gitersonke of Benton Harbor and his sister Laverne Kulich formerly of St. Joseph. He will be greatly missed by his nine grandchildren; Nicole and Ashley (and their father Burton Edgerly), Devon, Jakub, Emalie (and their mother Kristina Gitersonke), Caitalyn, Marjorie, Diana, Rebecca (and their father James Nielson). A time of visitation will take place on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at Brown Funeral Home in Niles from 5pm-7pm. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Richard may do so to Best Friends 4-H Club www.bf4hclub.com at 1737 Hillandale Road, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022 or the American Legion Post 362 at 351 E. St. Joseph Street, Coloma, Michigan 49038 for veteran's travel to medical appointments.