WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Jeffrey Brian Watson, age 74, of Sturgis, passed away Friday afternoon, June 16, 2023 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo.
He was born March 11, 1949 in Sturgis, son of the late Herbert and Wava (Large) Watson.
Jeffrey was a lifelong Sturgis resident and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1967. He furthered his education at Glen Oaks Community College where he earned an Associate Degree.
On June 24, 1983 he married Beverley Ratkowski at the Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sturgis by Father Robert Consani.
Jeff was employed by the Kirsch Company in Sturgis for 27 years until the closing of the company, and he retired in 2016 from the Marazita Candy Factory in White Pigeon.
He was proud to have served his country in the Michigan National Guard for six years.
Jeff was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church and an active 3rd Degree member of Knights of Columbus Deacon Jerry Mix Council #2508.
He enjoyed fishing and deer hunting, gardening, and always looked forward to springtime mushroom hunting. Jeff loved time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and he and Beverley could always be found in attendance at their many functions and sporting events.
He is survived by his wife of seven days shy of 40 years: Beverley; daughter: Sarah Watson of Charlotte, North Carolina; sons: Brandon (Latasha) Watson and Sam (Krystal) Watson both of Sturgis; grandchildren: Aria, Audrey, Brynlee and Beau; sisters: Shelley (David) DeBoer of Fennville and Susan Watson of Hamilton; brothers: Larry (Cheryl) Watson of Huntington, Indiana and Roy (Anita) Watson of Lafayette, Indiana; his beloved cat: Bob and his “on the couch sidekick” Brandon’s dog: Molly and several nieces and nephews.
In accordance with family wishes cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, June 22nd at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis followed by the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary being prayed at 7:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass celebrating the life of Jeffrey Brian Watson will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, June 23rd at the Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sturgis, the Rev. Father Andrew Raczkowski celebrant. A graveside committal will follow the Mass at Sturgis Memorial Gardens in Sturgis.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Watson’s memory consider the Holy Angels Catholic Church, 402 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091 or St. Mary’s School, 204 Albers Rd., Bronson, MI 49028.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
