Jeff Fitch, 61

Jeffery Todd Fitch, age 61, of Colon, died from a medical emergency on Sunday, September 1, 2024 at his home.  He was born in Three Rivers on January 25, 1963 the son of Lawrence W. and Joan D. (Spence) Fitch and was a lifetime resident of St. Joseph County. Jeff graduated from Three Rivers High School with the class of 1981.  He worked for Harding’s Markets for twenty-two years and later at the Save-A-Lot grocery. He worked briefly at River City Plastics, I.A.C in Mendon, and most recently at Chem-Link in Schoolcraft.

Jeff was a member of the Sons of the American Legion and was a Marine Corps League Associate.  He was also a member of area dart and billiard leagues. Jeff was a hard-working handyman who enjoyed fishing and gardening, and watching his grandchildren’s sporting events. He was a football fan and rooted especially for the Lions and Wolverines. Jeff rarely missed watching the Triple Crown horse races and greatly enjoyed the Night of Destruction at the Kalamazoo Speedway.

Jeffery was married to Lena Mae Collier in Centreville on October 18, 1991. She survives along with three daughters, Nicole (Joseph) Sheteron of Marcellus, Loretta Cross of Goshen, and Francis (Jeffrey Engleman) Shaw of Kalamazoo; adopted Foreign Exchange Student, Sun-Min Lee (Daniel Wolf) of Philadelphia; fourteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; his father, Larry Fitch of Three Rivers; siblings L. David Fitch of Kansas, Marla (Jeff) Jackson of Arizona, Randy Fitch of New Mexico, and Sam Fitch of Three Rivers; his aunt, Joan Paytas; many nieces and nephews including Autumn Fitch; and by his three best friends, Dan Fergusen, Chris Joslyn, and Dave Lammon.

Jeff was preceded in death by his mother, Joan Fitch; paternal grandparents, Lawrence N. and Margret Fitch; maternal grandparents, Harold and Iva Spence; granddaughter, Allison Staecker; and good friend, Frank Lammon.

The family will receive friends at a viewing from noon until 2 pm Saturday, September 7, 2024 at the Eickhoff Funeral Home, 311 W. Main, Mendon, MI 49072.  A memorial service will take place at 3 pm Saturday at the Leonidas Missionary Baptist Church, 26491 M-60, Leonidas, MI 49066 with Rev. David Stevens officiating. Memorial contributions will be directed to the family.  Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com