Joe Southwood

Joe Southwood, 72, of Benton Harbor, passed away, Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville. Elks Funeral Rites will be conducted 3:00 P.M. Saturday, January 19 by the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor BPOE #541, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph.  A Celebration of Life Service will immediately follow with Rev. Tom Bird officiating.  Friends may visit with the family from 1:30 until 3:00 P.M. at the funeral home.  Memorials in Joe’s name may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan.  Those wishing to sign Joe’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Joe was born July 12, 1946 in Newberry, Michigan and graduated from Newberry High School, Class of 1965, and attended Ferris State University. For over 30 years Joe worked for various state parks throughout the state of Michigan. In 1981, Joe was relocated to Warren Dunes State Park as Park Manager until he retired from that position in 1997.  Joe then began his employment as the manager of Palisades Park Country Club in Covert until his retirement in 2005.  On June 24, 1998, he married the former Victoria Solovyova in South Haven, Michigan.  Joe was a member of the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor BPOE #541 where he served as Exalted Ruler for 2000-2001.  Joe served the Community of Bridgman for many years as a volunteer EMT.  In his free time, Joe enjoyed photography, scuba diving, traveling, hunting, fishing and just being outdoors. Joe is survived by his wife Victoria; his children-Lori (Mark) Copeland of Stevensville, Rick (Kirsten) Southwood of Bridgman, Gleb Kolesnikov of Dana Point, CA; four grandchildren-Genevieve & Violet Kolesnikov, Carter & Dylan Southwood; his sister Susan (Butch) Lamkin of Grants Pass, OR; his brother Steve (Nancy) Southwood of Scotts Mills, OR; and several nieces & nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents James & Betty (Beach) Bosma, and his sister Sheri Loffer.