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Ernest Sopher Obituary
Ernest Christopher "Chris" Sopher, 78, of Baroda, former resident of Glenwood, Ill., for 35 years, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 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 at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26, and visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25, both hosted at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Burial will take place in 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, Mo., 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, 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 Co. at the stamping plant in Chicago Heights, Ill., for more than 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, Texas, Kelly (Kevin) Bushu of St. Joseph, and Stephen Sopher of Stevensville; eight grandchildren: Sophia and Kylie Sopher, Joshua, Jacob, Justin (J.J.) and Jackson Bushu, Blake and Bryce Sopher; siblings: George (Jan) Sopher of Crown Point, Ind., James Sopher of Markham, Ill., Linda (Mike) Greenburg of Florida; John Sopher of Markham, and Brenda (Dave) Massat of Tinley Park, Ill.
Chris was preceded in death by his parents: George and Leona Sopher, and his beloved wife, Cheryle.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Sopher
3 Entries
Buzz Powers
August 23, 2023
So sorry to hear of Chris's passing. Heike had a huge compassion for your mother. After she passed, Chris and I became friends and worked together for a short while. May God watch over you and your family. Thoughts and Prayers to you all, Buzz
James Sopher
August 23, 2023
Please accept my sincere condolences on the families loss. I do remember a float trip down one of our scenic Missouri rivers, many years ago, where my parents, Jim and Betty Sopher, cooked breakfast meals over an open fire griddle and served up pancakes, eggs, bacon and all else for a couple of mornings and Chris won the pancake eating contest. (not really, we just teased him about taking all the syrup). Rest in Peace cousin.
Jim Sopher Jr. Oak Grove MO.
Marilyn Guthrie
August 22, 2023
i enjoyed caring for Ernie so very much and getting to know him for a short while, makes me wish i had met him earlier. He was so blessed with a daughter like Kelly by his side until he left this earth. rest in peace Ernie !!!
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Starks & Menchinger Chapel - Saint Joseph2650 Niles Rd, Saint Joseph, MI 49085
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