1922
Merritt
2011
Merritt Schoder
November 29, 1922 — June 30, 2011
Merritt W. ”George” Schoder 88, of Fine Lake passed away peacefully at home on June 30, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 29, 1922 to Henry and Mary (McGuire) Schoder and was a lifelong resident of Battle Creek. His brothers Tom, Paul, Maurie and Harold preceded him in death. Another brother, John, lives in Horseshoe, N.C. Merritt attended St. Philip School for 12 years and graduated in 1941. During his high school years he was employed with the Kellogg Company and also enjoyed playing basketball and baseball, excelling in both sports. He attended St. Joseph College in Indiana and in 1942 he joined the Merchant Marines. While stationed near New York with the Merchant Marines, he met his wife of 36 years, Rosemary Cristofori. They were married on January 8th, 1944 and were blessed with six daughters, Patricia (Dr. Stephen) Saxton, of Cassopolis, Jan Myers, Nancy Kilburn and Sandra Dull, all of Battle Creek, and Maria (Keith) Rosine of Portage. A daughter, Barbara, preceded him in death in 1984. His wife, Rosemary, died in 1980.
After serving with the Merchant Marines, he returned to the Battle Creek area, employed again with the Kellogg Company. In 1950 he moved on to supervision and retired as Assistant Superintendent of the Food Division in 1980.
In 1962, Merritt helped organize a school for special needs children after discovering there was no school for his daughter, Barbara, to attend. He became very active in The ARC, an organization dedicated to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and later served as President of that organization and the school board.
In 1982 he married Virginia Delong of Kalamazoo. In their 25 years together, they enjoyed traveling and going south for the winter. She preceded him in death in 2007. He is survived by her children, Paula (Rob) Stork of Portage, Jim (Sherry) Lipford of Portage and Russ (Betsy) Lipford of Daleville, IN.
He cherished spending time with his 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He also found hours of enjoyment from fishing, golfing, playing pool and watching sports. He participated in the baseball Old Timers games until 2001.
Merritt was a member of St. Jerome Parish. Visitation for family and friends to honor Merritt’s life will be held on Thursday, July 7th, from 6-8 p.m. at Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, July 8th at 11 a.m., at St. Jerome Catholic Church with The Rev. Mathew Manalel officiating. In urnment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The ARC of Calhoun County. www.henryfuneralhome.org
After serving with the Merchant Marines, he returned to the Battle Creek area, employed again with the Kellogg Company. In 1950 he moved on to supervision and retired as Assistant Superintendent of the Food Division in 1980.
In 1962, Merritt helped organize a school for special needs children after discovering there was no school for his daughter, Barbara, to attend. He became very active in The ARC, an organization dedicated to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and later served as President of that organization and the school board.
In 1982 he married Virginia Delong of Kalamazoo. In their 25 years together, they enjoyed traveling and going south for the winter. She preceded him in death in 2007. He is survived by her children, Paula (Rob) Stork of Portage, Jim (Sherry) Lipford of Portage and Russ (Betsy) Lipford of Daleville, IN.
He cherished spending time with his 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He also found hours of enjoyment from fishing, golfing, playing pool and watching sports. He participated in the baseball Old Timers games until 2001.
Merritt was a member of St. Jerome Parish. Visitation for family and friends to honor Merritt’s life will be held on Thursday, July 7th, from 6-8 p.m. at Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, July 8th at 11 a.m., at St. Jerome Catholic Church with The Rev. Mathew Manalel officiating. In urnment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The ARC of Calhoun County. www.henryfuneralhome.org
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