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Jesse M. Bercaw, age 85, of Burr Oak, passed away Sunday morning, Oct. 9, 2011, at his home.
He was born June 19, 1926, in Bronson, a son of the late Irvin and Etta (Mast) Bercaw.
Jesse had lived his whole life in the Bronson and Burr Oak area and in the home he was currently living in since 1948.
On March 3, 1947, he married Vesta Y. Markley in Colon. She preceded him in death May 28, 1991.
Jesse was a lifelong farmer and a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during World War II with the 408th Airborne Quartermaster Company, earning the rank of sergeant. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Good conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal.
He was a member of the V.F.W. Post #5003 of Bronson, American Legion Post #259 of Bronson and a life member of the Jack Johnston Chapter #88 Disabled American Veterans.
Jesse enjoyed farming and spending time with his grandchildren.
Surviving are five daughters, Karen (Rick) Deller, Susan Seeber, Beth Bercaw, Marilyn (Bill) Guterwill, and Kathleen (Tony) Bercaw; a son, Jeff (Tracy) Bercaw of Indiana; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a sister, Velma Markley; and a brother, Harley Bercaw.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a son, Roger Bercaw; and six brothers, William, Ferrell, Harry, Virgil, Fay and Glenn Bercaw.
Graveside services celebrating the life of Jesse M. Bercaw will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Bronson Cemetery in Bronson. Memorial donations may be directed to Hospice of Sturgis, P.O. Box 126, Sturgis, MI 49091.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Hackman Family Funeral Home —Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago Road, Sturgis.
