WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Erma E. Mecklenburg, age 84, of Sturgis, passed away on February 4, 2026 at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis.
She was born July 17, 1941 in Wells County, Indiana, daughter of the late Edward and Helen (German) Scare.
Erma resided in Sturgis since 1959, coming from rural Centreville where she was a graduate of Centreville High School with the class of 1959.
On September 23, 1961, she married the love of her life, Gary J Mecklenburg in Detroit.
Erma retired from the Sturges-Young Auditorium in 2005 following 20 years of dedicated employment. She also worked at the Gateway Shoppers Guide, the Kirsch Company, and the Montgomery Ward Store, all in Sturgis.
She was an active longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis where she served as a Deacon.
Erma was a member of the Friends of the Sturgis District Library and enjoyed bowling, reading, cooking, and traveling. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. For many years she and Gary volunteered their time ringing bells for the Salvation Army.
She is survived by one daughter: Cathy (Kim) Knapp of Sturgis; two sons: Michael (Patty) Mecklenburg of St. Charles, Missouri and Bryan (Kristin) Mecklenburg of Hudsonville, MI; eight grandchildren: Audrey (Christian) Brooks, Rachel (Matt) Dickens, Julianne Mecklenburg, Tara (Bret) Foster, Jack Annis, Tia Knapp, Serena (Taylor) Hawley, and Erin Mecklenburg; four great grandchildren: Baker, Evelyn, Scottie Jo, and Alex; three sisters: Agnes (Lavon) Storms, Anna (Bob) Wilson and Mary (James) Craaybeek; four brothers: Henry (Shirley) Scare, Louie (LaVelle) Scare, Paul (Phyllis) Scare and John Scare; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Gary; parents; infant grandson: Jeffrey Mecklenburg; one sister: Esther Gallmeyer and three brothers: Herbert Scare, Adolph Scare and Walter Scare.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 10:45 A.M. Saturday, February 21st, at the First Presbyterian Church, 1320 S. Lakeview Ave., Sturgis. A memorial service celebrating Erma’s life will follow at 11:00. The Rev. Craig Kunkle will officiate. Placement of the remains will take place in the church columbarium.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sturges-Young Center for the Arts, 201 N. Nottawa Street, Sturgis, MI 49091, Sturgis Community Foundation, 214 W. Chicago Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091 or Friends of the Library, 255 North Street, Sturgis, MI 49091.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
