ST. JOSEPH — In honor of National Centenarian’s Day, observed annually on Sept. 22 to recognize those who are 100 years of age or older, Caring Circle, a Lakeland Health Affiliate, hosted a celebratory event for 109-year-old Herbert Engle of Berrien Springs.

Engle is believed to be the oldest man living in Michigan.

He was born in Russia in 1907 and immigrated to Chicago in 1928 where he worked at Western Electric Manufacturing Company for five years. His family then relocated to Berrien Springs where Engle still resides in the farmhouse that originally belonged to his parents. Engle earned a degree in engineering from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania through a college-by-mail program. He went on to work at Whirlpool for more than 40 years helping to create many of the original household appliances we know today.

The father of six children, all of whom are still alive today, Engle currently resides with his caregiver and daughter Esther, 83.

Charsie Nealey, RN, BSN, a nurse at Caring Circle, began visiting the family’s home in March 2016 and continues to provide assistance with medications, medical assessments and social interaction.

“At Caring Circle we focus on providing quality of life for all patients — whatever that may look like to them,” Nealey said. “Aside from medical care we also serve as a support system for both patients and caregivers. We are there to listen to them and provide a social interaction they may not otherwise get. After being alive for over a century these patients are a living link to our history and have so much wisdom to share.”

In addition to Engle, Caring Circle provides care for a number of centenarian patients throughout Berrien County including Lola Rockwell, 100, of Berrien Springs; Joseph Menser, 103, who resides at the Merlin and Carolyn Hanson Hospice Center; and Viola Bomke, 107, of Benton Harbor, among others.

“Having a large extended family, knowing your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and having that love helps you live a long and happy life,” Rockwell said about the key to her longevity.

“You don’t have to leave the country to see amazing things,” Menser said about enjoying life. “You can stay right here at home and see everything you want to see.”

Bomke shared stories of a time growing up when people walked most places, the roads were all dirt, the fields were plowed by horses and the closest stream was not only the household’s main source of fresh water but also where people would store milk and butter to keep it cold.

Lakeland Health is a nonprofit, community-owned health system, which includes three hospitals, an outpatient surgery center, a cancer center, rehabilitation centers, long-term care, hospice, home care services, and physician practices. Lakeland has over 3,800 employees who provide clinical and support services at locations throughout southwest Michigan, and partners with more than 500 affiliated physicians and other providers. For more information, visit www.lakelandhealth.org.