Ernest “Chris” Sopher
July 1st, 1945 - August 19th, 2023
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Chris's Obituary
Ernest Christopher “Chris” Sopher, 78, of Baroda, MI, former resident of Glenwood, IL for 35 years, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at West Woods of Bridgman, with his daughter Kelly by his side, after a short battle with brain cancer.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 1pm EST and visitation will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023 from 5-8pm EST, both hosted at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd, Saint Joseph, MI. Burial will take place at Riverview Cemetery. Memorial Donations can be made to Caring Circle Hospice or The American Cancer Society. Those who wish to send a condolence message or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
Chris was born July 1, 1945 in Kansas City, Missouri to George and Leona (Minor) Sopher. He married the love of his life, Cheryle (Eggleston) Sopher who preceded him in death in 2005. During their time in Glenwood, IL, Chris and Cheryle were heavily involved in their local youth sports organizations, along with running a local restaurant in Glenwood where they would frequently host their children’s teams. Chris worked as a tool and die maker for Ford Motor Company at the stamping plant in Chicago Heights, IL for over 30 years. After moving to Baroda, Chris helped the local Lion’s Club revive the café at Weko Beach and served as its manager for several years. Chris was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend, who adored his grandchildren and enjoyed attending any of their activities that he could. He became known to many in the Lakeshore athletic community as “Papa Ernie” after spending two decades on the sidelines and bleachers of his grandson’s sporting events.
He is survived by his children – Chris (Veronica) Sopher of Sugarland, TX; Kelly (Kevin) Bushu of St. Joseph, MI; and Stephen Sopher of Stevensville, MI; eight grandchildren – Sophia and Kylie Sopher; Joshua, Jacob, Justin (JJ) and Jackson Bushu; Blake and Bryce Sopher; siblings – George (Jan) Sopher of Crown Point, IN; James Sopher of Markham, IL; Linda (Mike) Greenburg of Florida; John Sopher of Markham, IL; and Brenda (Dave) Massat of Tinley Park, IL. Chris was preceded in death by his parents George and Leona Sopher, and his beloved wife Cheryle.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 1pm EST and visitation will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023 from 5-8pm EST, both hosted at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd, Saint Joseph, MI. Burial will take place at Riverview Cemetery. Memorial Donations can be made to Caring Circle Hospice or The American Cancer Society. Those who wish to send a condolence message or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
Chris was born July 1, 1945 in Kansas City, Missouri to George and Leona (Minor) Sopher. He married the love of his life, Cheryle (Eggleston) Sopher who preceded him in death in 2005. During their time in Glenwood, IL, Chris and Cheryle were heavily involved in their local youth sports organizations, along with running a local restaurant in Glenwood where they would frequently host their children’s teams. Chris worked as a tool and die maker for Ford Motor Company at the stamping plant in Chicago Heights, IL for over 30 years. After moving to Baroda, Chris helped the local Lion’s Club revive the café at Weko Beach and served as its manager for several years. Chris was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend, who adored his grandchildren and enjoyed attending any of their activities that he could. He became known to many in the Lakeshore athletic community as “Papa Ernie” after spending two decades on the sidelines and bleachers of his grandson’s sporting events.
He is survived by his children – Chris (Veronica) Sopher of Sugarland, TX; Kelly (Kevin) Bushu of St. Joseph, MI; and Stephen Sopher of Stevensville, MI; eight grandchildren – Sophia and Kylie Sopher; Joshua, Jacob, Justin (JJ) and Jackson Bushu; Blake and Bryce Sopher; siblings – George (Jan) Sopher of Crown Point, IN; James Sopher of Markham, IL; Linda (Mike) Greenburg of Florida; John Sopher of Markham, IL; and Brenda (Dave) Massat of Tinley Park, IL. Chris was preceded in death by his parents George and Leona Sopher, and his beloved wife Cheryle.
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