Sheridan H. "Sonny" Friske

Sheridan "Sonny" Howard Friske, 88, of Watervliet passed away peacefully at home on Monday, April 21, 2025.

Sonny and his twin sister, Shirley "Dolly," were born on May 21, 1936, on Morton Hill in Benton Harbor to Rudolph and Josephine (Bovdik) Friske. He lived his entire life in the area, attending LaFayette, Johnson Grade Schools and Benton Harbor High School.

On March 23, 1957, he married Catherine Dee Reynard at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in South Bend, Ind. They had three children: Tim, Cathy and Shelia. In 1956, Sonny began working at Saranac Machines, and in 1972, he joined Bendix Corp., where he retired in 1991 as general supervisor of skilled trades. After retiring at age 55, Sonny became a gentleman farmer. He and Dee renovated two homes, the last being the farm he worked and loved. For 40 years, he hunted with family and friends at the family cabin in Baldwin, Mich. He also enjoyed fishing and relaxing at their property on Munson Lake. Sonny spent 52 years bowling with a wonderful group of friends. He could often be found puttering in his workshop, winning endlessly at the casino slots, and enjoying time with his beloved fur-babies.

Sonny is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dee Friske; his children: Tim (Janet) Friske of Grand Rapids, Mich., Cathy (John) Lawrimore of Tool, Texas, and Shelia (Dave) Harding of Indianapolis; his grandchildren: Kyle (Bri) and Erin Friske, Tyler Lawrimore and Jenna and Mia Amundson; his step-grandchildren: John (Billy) Lawrimore, Jacob and Katie Harding; his great-grandchildren: Avery and Hazel Friske; his step-great-grandchildren: Jayden and Kaitlyn Lawrimore; his brother, Sheldon (Lois) Friske of Byron Center, Mich., along with three nieces and three nephews.

He was preceded in death by his twin sister, Dolly; his father, Rudolph; his mother, Josephine and his brother, Michael.

The family will receive guests from 1 p.m. until time of celebration of life service at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, with Pastor David Hasse from Riverside United Methodist Church officiating. Memorial contributions may be given to the Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals Marie Yeager Cancer Center or Corewell Health Hospice and Palliative Care of Southwest Michigan, www.corewellhealth.org/foundation. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for the family may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.