Herbert Otto “Herb” Smikle
July 16th, 1941 - December 23rd, 2023
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Herb's Obituary
Herbert Otto “Herb” Smikle, 82, of St. Joseph, passed away on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at home with his family by his side.
A celebration of life service will be held at noon on Friday, December 29, 2023, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Visitation will be held one hour prior, from 11 am - noon. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Greenwood Cemetery, Bridgman. Memorial contributions in Herb’s name may be made to the Alzheimer Association. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Herb was born on July 16, 1941, to Herbert and Elsie “Renas” Smikle in Benton Harbor. He graduated from Lakeshore High School, class of 1961, then continued his education through Lake Michigan College, earning a degree in carpentry. Professionally, Herb was a crane operator for Auto Specialties Manufacturing. On November 27, 1965 he married Barbara Heyn, they had two children together, Brian and Susan. Barbara preceded him in death in 1992.
Herb enjoyed gardening, long walks, traveling in his RV and fishing. He had a passion for carpentry and even built several houses through his life. Most of all, Herb cherished his family, was a devoted father and loved the Lord. He was an active member at Full Gospel Christian Tabernacle, Watervliet.
Herb is survived by his son, Brian (Debra) Smikle; daughter, Susan Louder; five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and sisters, Betty Hart and Linda Zielke. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Elsie Smikle; wife, Barbara Smikle; son-in-law, David Louder; two grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brother-in-law, Robert Hart and special friend, Patricia Klemm.
A celebration of life service will be held at noon on Friday, December 29, 2023, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Visitation will be held one hour prior, from 11 am - noon. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Greenwood Cemetery, Bridgman. Memorial contributions in Herb’s name may be made to the Alzheimer Association. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Herb was born on July 16, 1941, to Herbert and Elsie “Renas” Smikle in Benton Harbor. He graduated from Lakeshore High School, class of 1961, then continued his education through Lake Michigan College, earning a degree in carpentry. Professionally, Herb was a crane operator for Auto Specialties Manufacturing. On November 27, 1965 he married Barbara Heyn, they had two children together, Brian and Susan. Barbara preceded him in death in 1992.
Herb enjoyed gardening, long walks, traveling in his RV and fishing. He had a passion for carpentry and even built several houses through his life. Most of all, Herb cherished his family, was a devoted father and loved the Lord. He was an active member at Full Gospel Christian Tabernacle, Watervliet.
Herb is survived by his son, Brian (Debra) Smikle; daughter, Susan Louder; five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and sisters, Betty Hart and Linda Zielke. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Elsie Smikle; wife, Barbara Smikle; son-in-law, David Louder; two grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brother-in-law, Robert Hart and special friend, Patricia Klemm.
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