Joseph F Halder

oseph F. Halder, 82, of Lakeland, Florida and formerly of Battle Creek, died November 11, 2009 at home in Lakeland. He was born December 20, 1926, the son of Joseph F. and Edna (Gustke) Halder in Battle Creek. Joseph served in the U. S. Army during World War II. He returned to work as an engineer with Grand Trunk Western Railroad for over 35 years, retiring in 1989. Joseph married Beverly E. Clark on December 23, 1949. She survives. Also surviving are their children, Benton (Betty Jean) Halder, David Halder and Timothy (Patricia) Halder, Joni Hatch, all of Battle Creek; their daughter, Patricia Jo Halder of Champaign, Illinois; 10 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; brother, David C. Halder of Battle Creek; and sisters, Elinor Nelson and Patricia Nichols of Battle Creek. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Evelyn Halder, Betty Lou Nosker and brother, Clarence Halder. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Battle Creek and Christ Lutheran Church while living in Lakeland. Joseph enjoyed playing bingo, working puzzles and scrapping metal to sell for donations to charities. Funeral services will take place 2:30 p.m. Monday, November 16, 2009 at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens Chapel with Rev. Gary Siefert, St. Paul Lutheran Church, officiating. Memorial donations may go to St. Paul Lutheran Church (349 Capital Ave., NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017). The family is being served by Shaw Funeral Home, Battle Creek. www.shawfuneralhome.com