Obituary of Stephen Joseph Praklet

Stephen Joseph Praklet Sr., 89, of Beeson Road, Niles, passed away Thursday, February 23, 2012 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend. He was born on December 26, 1922 in Cassopolis to the late Paul and Cecilia (Sokach) Praklet. After graduating high school, Stephen joined the U.S. Army and served his country proudly during WWII. On June 27, 1947 he married Bettie Carter at a ceremony in Benton Harbor. He worked for many years as a foreman for both Studebaker's and Allied Products before his retirement in 1986. He was a faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Niles and enjoyed golfing and fishing and was a loving and devoted husband. In addition to his parents Stephen was preceded in death by four brothers; John, David, George and Paul Praklet and four sisters; Cecilia Compton, Rose Goverinski, Mary Ross and Betty Samuels. He is survived by his wife Bettie Praklet of Niles, a son Stephen J. Praklet Jr. of South Bend, a daughter Constance Roberts of Kaleva, Michigan, four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. A time of visitation will be held on Monday, February 27, 2012 at Brown Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary service at 6:30 pm. Funeral services will be at the funeral home on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. William Melody, CSC of Notre Dame, Indiana, will officiate. An interment will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made in Stephen's memory to St. Mary Catholic Church 219 S. State Street Niles, Michigan 49120.