WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Edward R. Schlabach, age 52, of Sturgis, passed away at his home surrounded by his family late Monday evening, February 26, 2024 following a hard fought battle with cancer.He was born August 18, 1971 in Sarasota, Florida son of Harvey Robert and Katie E. (Yoder) Schlabach.
Ed resided in the Sturgis and Burr Oak area his whole life and was a graduate of Burr Oak High School with the class of 1991.
On August 1, 1992 he married Pamela S. Sturgis at the First United Methodist Church in Sturgis.
Ed started working on farms at an early age. In 1991 he began his career at Prairie Edge Farm where he became the proud owner and operator till the end.
Ed was a strong Christian, and in his younger years attended the Wasepi Mennonite Church in Centreville.
Ed was a board member of Farm Bureau and Lima Elevator. He was a Centreville FFA Alumni member. Since 2005 he served as a firefighter with Tri-Township Fire Department. He enjoyed traveling, camping at Green Valley Camp Ground, and the annual ice fishing trips to northern Michigan with “the guys”. Ed truly loved farming and time spent with his family.
He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 31 years: Pamela; daughters: Mariah S. (John) Slavin of Canton and Megan (Tyler) Milliman of Sturgis; his mother: Katie E. Schlabach of Burr Oak; brother: Lyle Schlabach of Coldwater; sisters: Barbara (Mark) Peters of Mt. Angel, Oregon, Bonnie (Tim) McCann of Burr Oak, Melissa (Kevin) Bower of Burr Oak and Patricia (Scott) Smith of Burr Oak his Black Lab: Bean and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Thursday, February 29th at Grace Christian Fellowship Church, 300 Timothy St. in Sturgis. Funeral services celebrating the life of Edward R. Schlabach will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, March 1st from the church. Pastors Randy Evans and Randy Miller will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Adams Cemetery in rural Burr Oak.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Ed’s memory consider St. Joseph County Animal Control 652 E. Main Street, Centreville, MI 49032 or Centreville FFA, P.O. Box 158, Centreville, MI 49032.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
