UNION, Mich. — Lowell C. Stuck, also lovingly known as "L.C.", completed his circle of life during a private bedside service while surrounded by his family at his Union home at 11:14 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6. He was 83.

He was born in Elkhart, Ind., on March 21, 1931. to the late Russell and Madelon (Mowrey) Stuck.

On June 20, 1959, he married the love of his life, Donita R. "Pinky" Bradford, in a union that spanned 55 years. She survives at home.

Also surviving are his cherished daughters, Kimberly (Tim) McConnell, Colleen Stuck Pratt and Lynette (Mike) Stark, all of Elkhart; loving sisters Karen Wartsler of Elkhart and Leslie (Larry) Brumbaugh of Bristol; beloved grandchildren Nicholas (Megan) and Brooke Kopezynski, Tim Freel, Joe (Heather) Braniff, Andrew and Paige Stark, Adam Moore and Travis McConnell; and treasured great-grandchildren Claire and Ethan Braniff and Anastasia and Aleczander Kopczynski.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Dwayne, Leon and Clifford "Corky" Stuck and sisters Carol Fackelman and Doris Morgan.

In accordance with L.C.'s wishes, cremation is to take place and no other service has been planned.

Arrangements have been placed under the care and direction of Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart.

So, how does one properly reflect on a life as colorful and complete as L.C.'s? Born during the Depression, he developed a hard work ethic which helped him achieve things in the years to come. As a youth, L.C. enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served honorably as a radio operator in Korea. Upon returning to the U.S., he spent nearly 45 years as a clerk for the New York Central, Penn Central and Conrail railroads, retiring in the early 1990s.

He and his wife wintered the last 22 years in Bradenton, Fla., and, when he wasn't working, L.C. loved to play golf, fish, hunt, swim, travel, garden and eat at buffet restaurants. He had a zest for life that made him a patient, kind and generous man who showered his family with unconditional love. That unconditional love was returned to him the evening of his passing when his granddaughter, Megan, was reciting the rosary to him. During the prayer, one final burst of sunshine on an otherwise cloudy day streamed across L.C.'s face as if to say "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Memorial donations may be given to the Cass County Library, Mason-Union Branch, 17049 U.S. 12, Edwardsburg, MI 49112, or to the hospice organization of your choice. Online condolences may reach the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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