Feb. 12, 1924 - Dec. 26, 2012
UNION, Mich. - Edward Mitchell Schmeling, 88, of Union died Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012, at Cass County Medical Care Facility.
He was born Feb. 12, 1924, in Union to Emil and Elsie (Hoffman) Schmeling.
Edward married Vera Maxine O'Dell Sept. 13, 1947, in Elkhart, Ind.
She preceded him in death Jan. 26, 1996. He was also preceded by one son, Rex Schmeling, and one grandson, Eddie Schmeling.
Edward served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
He was a member of Cass County Conservation Club. Edward enjoyed gardening, fishing and hunting. He liked to build things, spending time in the little shop out back making everything from picture frames to toys.
Edward will be greatly missed by family and friends.
He is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Kathy Schmeling of Three Rivers; three granddaughters, Anna Schmeling of White Pigeon, Tina Stoltz of Bristol, Ind., and Cindy Richardson of White Pigeon; two grandsons, Michael (Heather) Schmeling of White Pigeon and Chris Adams of White Pigeon; five great-grandchildren; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Arlene and Jim Southard of Union and Dorothy and Wayne Reber of Elkhart; one brother and sister-in-law, Emil Jr. and Lois Schmeling of Elkhart; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Family and friends will gather from 3 until 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012, at Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 N. Broadway St., Cassopolis. Funeral services with military honors will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in the funeral home.
Mr. Schmeling will be laid to rest beside his late wife in Plum Grove Cemetery, Union, in a graveside service at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 31, 2012.
The family prefers memorial contributions to Cass County Conservation Club, 13710 U.S. 12, P. O. Box 428, Union, MI 49130.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Online condolences may be posted at www.wagnercares.com.