John A. Schmuhl Sr.

John Arthur Schmuhl Sr., 96, of Benton Harbor passed away in his home on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph.

John was born on Aug. 23, 1928, in Elmhurst, Ill., to the late Walter and Margaret (Boynton) Schmuhl.

After graduating high school, he served our country from 1950 and honorable discharged in 1952 while in the U.S. Army both in Korea and Japan.

He met his future wife at Crystal Palace, Johanna "Jenny" Marsala and married on Oct. 1, 1955, in Benton Harbor at St. John Catholic Church; she preceded him in death on Oct. 30, 2022.

John moved from Elmhurst to Baroda in 1949. He farmed until 1955 and was proud of growing the first crate of strawberries in 1949 to be sold for $35 dollars to Tony Angelo partner in Angelo's Supermarket, at the Benton Harbor Fruit Market.

After marriage, John and Jenny purchased a farm and farmed while working full time. They raised grapes, cherries and peaches.

John worked at Univex in Benton Harbor for many years retiring as warehouse supervisor and retired in 1988. John was an avid fan of Chicago sports – especially the Bears and Cubs. He also enjoyed gardening and Big Band music. But most of all he loved his family – especially spending time with the grandchildren.

John is survived by his children: John (Debbie) Schmuhl of Millburg, Carol (Jim) Dansfield of St. Joseph and Ronald (Lisa) Schmuhl of Kalamazoo; grandchildren: Patience (Justin) Moghtader, Paige (Jay) Muvva, John (Megan) Dansfield, Blake (Jenny) Dansfield, Brooke Ledesma, Brittney (Garret) Yorton, John Schmuhl, Breanna Schmuhl, Andreana Schmuhl; great grandson, Felix Moghtader; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his brother: Charles Schmuhl.

Mass of Christian burial will take place at noon on Friday, July 18, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware, Benton Harbor. Visitation with the family precedes the service at the church from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Burial follows the service in North Shore Memorial Gardens in Coloma.

Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Bernard Church.