County officials and residents throughout southwest Michigan are mourning the death of Berrien County Commissioner Neal Nitz, who passed away Monday.

The lifelong Baroda resident had served on the board for more than a decade, representing the eighth district.

Commissioner Mac Elliot had known him for more than 25 years.

“It was something of a shock to learn of his passing,” Elliot said. “We knew he had been hospitalized last week, but did not know he was so close to death.”

Elliot said Nitz was intelligent, but never talked down to anyone.

“He knew a great deal about business, which explains why Nitz Farms was a successful business,” Elliot said. “Neal was a solid and reliable man. His sense of humor will also be missed, especially discussions of our favorite ‘Three Stooges’ episodes. The board will not be the same without Neal.”

Before rejoining the board in 2013, Nitz had served for 10 years on the board from 1993-2002. He was also the Michigan State Representative for District 78 for six years.

“I was extremely saddened to learn of the passing of my friend and former colleague,” said Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph. “I will personally miss his unique perspective on how to best serve the people of Berrien County and his dry sense of humor. My family and I will be keeping Neal and his family in our prayers during this time of loss.”

Through the years of his service on the board of commissioners, Nitz had been selected for every leadership position available including at one time as the Chairman of the Board. He had served on every board committee at one point or another and had been selected as chairman of each one.

Commissioner Jim Curran said he first met Nitz in 2012.

“I was saddened to hear the news. I knew he was not in good health recently and kept him in my thoughts and prayers,” Curran said. “I liked his straightforward no nonsense style and his sense of humor. Neal has a lot of experience with government and I respected his position as a commissioner and as a person. I did not hesitate to go to Neal and ask him his opinion on a matter before the board. Neal was an upstanding guy who will be sorely missed on the board.”

County Administrator Bill Wolf said the county lost one if its finest leaders.

“He was dedicated to serving his constituents,” he said. “When I visited him last Thursday, the day before he went into the hospital, he was concerned about making sure the citizens of District 8 were being represented.”

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will address the vacancy on the board at their regular meeting being held this Thursday.

At that time they will determine the procedure to fill that vacancy. The vacancy must be filled 30 days after the vacancy or it will require a special election.