Nick Rose

Nick Rose Jr., 85, of St. Joseph, MI passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, January 9, 2016 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Rev. Wade Panse officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma with Military Rites Provided by the Stevensville American Legion. Friends may visit from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Friday, January 8, 2016 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association or The Myositis Association. Those wishing to share a memory of Nick online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Nick was born September 21, 1930 in Benton Harbor to Dorotha and Nick Rose, Sr. He graduated in 1948 from Benton Harbor High School before proudly serving in the United States Navy aboard to U.S.S. Perkins in the Korean War. During his later high school years he became well known for his ability as a pugilist, winning numerous competitions and culminating with the runner up Golden Gloves Championship in his weight class in the State of Michigan.. Nick returned home from the Navy and married the love of his life, Leona Tanke, on November 22, 1952 at Methodist Peace Temple in Benton Harbor. After 30 years of service Nick retired from Bendix Corp. in St. Joseph as a Supervisor in 1982. During his retirement years he took great pleasure in attending the sporting events, performances and concerts of his grandchildren. Nick was skilled in the game of cribbage and enjoyed playing and competing with friends and clubs. Nick and Leona also participated in the local Misfits Entertainment Troupe, bringing many laughs and joy to various venues. He was a member of the Stevensville American Legion Post 568. Nick is survived by his wife of 63 years, Leona Rose; children, Nick (Patrice) Rose III of St. Joseph, Linda (Ron) Silverlight of South Haven, Mark Rose of Baroda, Brian (Kathy) Rose of St. Joseph and Scott (Tammy) Rose of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Nick (Jenny) Rose IV of Ann Arbor, Andrea Rose of San Francisco, CA, Sarah (Kyle McKamey) Hembree of South Haven, Ryan (Lisa) Rose of Gastonia, NC, Amber Rose of Galien, Kayla & Luke Rose of Stevensville, Nichole (Matt) Williams of Indianapolis, Brianna Rose of St. Joseph, Bethany Rose of Hartford, Stephanie (Ken) Jennings of Eau Claire, Tim Gaul of Ft. Meyers; great-grandchildren, Paxton, Kingston, Kameren, Lennon, Lacey, Clark, Lorraine, Cora and two due to arrive in February and June; brothers, Gene (Gail) Rose of Bridgman and Donald Schuhknecht of St. Joseph; sisters, Jackie Burns of Lansing and JoAnne Lausman of Bridgman; as well as many nieces and nephews. Nick was preceded in death by his parents; and beloved grandson, Brandon Silverlight in 2009.