Ervin R. Schmaltz

On Friday, April 9, 2021, it pleased the Lord to call home the soul of Ervin “Erv” Schmaltz, peacefully at his home in Baroda. A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held 11:00 A.M. Thursday, April 15, 2021 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2673 W. John Beers Rd., Stevensville, with Rev. Jeremy Koehler officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Bridgman. Friends may visit with the family from 9:00 until 11:00 A.M. Thursday at the Church. Masks & Social Distancing will be required for both the service & visitation. Memorial donations in Erv’s name may be made to Building on God’s Blessings- St. Paul’s. Those wishing to sign Erv’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Erv was born December 29, 1933 in Baroda to Edward & Hattie (Zielke) Schmaltz. He attended Baroda Schools and remained on the family farm for a number of years, helping his mother after the early passing of his father. On October 6, 1956, he married the former Helen Fester in Benton Harbor. They enjoyed nearly fifty-six years of marriage before Helen was called home on June 24, 2012. Erv was employed for twenty plus years at Clark Equipment until they closed. He then gained employment with Metal Processors for a number of years, and then retired from Great Lakes Metal Stamping. Erv was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stevensville. In his free time, he enjoyed garage sales, antiquing, flea markets, and refinishing the antiques he purchased. Erv was always buying and selling. He took great pride in the appearance of his home and lawn and enjoyed the time spent tending to them. Most of all, Erv cherished the time spent with his family and many friends. Erv is survived by two daughters-Cindy (Rick) Fechner of St. Joseph, Autumn E. Schmaltz of Coloma; his grandson Daniel Fechner of St. Joseph; his sister Delores Hildebrand of Berrien Springs; his brother Dennis Schmaltz of Grand Rapids; three sisters-in-law-Harriet Fester of Bridgman, Dolores & Jeanette Fester of Benton Harbor; numerous nieces & nephews; and his loyal neighbors including special friend Bill Lentz, of forty years. He was preceded in death by his wife Helen and an infant daughter Debra Schmaltz.