Stephen Praklet Sr., 89
Dec. 26, 1922 — Feb. 23, 2012

Stephen Joseph Praklet Sr., 89, of Beeson Road, Niles, passed away Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend.
He was born Dec. 26, 1922, in Cassopolis to the late Paul and Cecilia (Sokach) Praklet.

After graduating high school, Stephen joined the U.S. Army and served his country proudly during World War II. On June 27, 1947, he married Bettie Carter at a ceremony in Benton Harbor. He worked for many years as a foreman for both Studebaker’s and Allied Products before his retirement in 1986. He was a faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Niles and enjoyed golfing and fishing and was a loving and devoted husband.
In addition to his parents Stephen was preceded in death by four brothers, John, David, George and Paul Praklet; and four sisters, Cecilia Compton, Rose Goverinski, Mary Ross and Betty Samuels.
He is survived by his wife, Bettie Praklet of Niles; a son, Stephen J. Praklet Jr. of South Bend; a daughter, Constance Roberts of Kaleva, Mich.; four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.
A time of visitation will be held today at Brown Funeral Home from 5 until 7 p.m. with a Rosary service at 6:30 p.m. Funeral services will be at the funeral home Tuesday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. William Melody, CSC of Notre Dame, Ind., officiating. An interment will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens.
To leave a message for the family, upload a photo or send a letter of condolence please visit www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com or visit our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/BrownFuneralHomeNiles.
Memorial contributions may be made in Stephen’s memory to St. Mary Catholic Church 219 S. State St. Niles, Mich. 49120.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.