Donald German, 78

Donald A. German, 78, of Burr Oak, Mich., passed away Sunday morning, Jan. 17, 2010, at Matthew 7:7 Adult Foster Care Home in White Pigeon.

He was born May 3, 1931, in Hillsdale, Mich., a son to the late Harold and Beulah (Norris) German.

Don had resided most of his life in Burr Oak. On March 29, 1952, he married Alice Virene Smith at the parsonage of the United Methodist Church in Fremont, Ind. She died July 26, 2003.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army earning the rank of private.

Following 25 years of employment as a gifted and talented machinist he retired from Grav-i-flo in Sturgis. He had also worked as a machinist at North American Aviation, Inc. where he was commended for personal sacrifice and exemplary performance in the fabricating of mechanical parts for the Apollo Program.

He was a member of the Burr Oak United Methodist Church. He had a true love of the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Don’s greatest pride and joy was his family especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be remembered as a man of few words with a wealth of knowledge and guidance.

He is survived by one daughter, Diane (her life partner Roger Kline) Thrasher of Sturgis; two sons, Donald H. (Theresa) German of Idaho and Dann W. (Janet) German of Kansas; 11 grandchildren, Keith, Trisha, Marshall, Justin, Jared, Trevor, Troy, Janae, Jess, Shannon and Alicin; 19 great-grandchildren; one sister, Roberta Smoker of Bronson; one brother, Terrence German of Sturgis; lifelong friend, Howard Gest of Burr Oak and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; one daughter, Dawn German and one sister, Lois Avery.

In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. A private graveside service and burial of the ashes will take place at the Burr Oak Cemetery in Burr Oak where full military rites will be conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and the U.S. Army Honor Guard.

The Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, is handling the arrangements.

The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. German’s memory consider Hospice of Sturgis, P.O. Box 126, Sturgis, MI 49091 or the St. Joseph County Conservation Club Youth Program, 23640 Featherstone Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091.

The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.