Obituaries

M. Andrew Beckman

M. Andrew Beckman

Mar 11, 2026

Our Lord called Sister M. Andrew (Jeannette) Beckman to her eternal reward at 4:15 a.m. on Wednesday March 11, 2026. Sister M. Andrew died at Our Lady of Angels Convent in Mishawaka, IN.

Jeannette was born to Goerge and Thelma (Ray) Beckman in Gary, IN on July 8, 1934. She is survived by her brothers Tom and Charles and many beloved...

Douglas Franklin Richards

Douglas Franklin Richards

Mar 7, 2026

Douglas Franklin Richards, age 69, passed away on March 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Doug was born August 13, 1956, and grew up in New Buffalo, Michigan. He spent much of his life in Michigan City, Indiana, where he built a reputation as a skilled and dedicated mason. His craftsmanship can be found in countless homes...

Russell "Russ" D. Hanson

Russell "Russ" D. Hanson

Mar 6, 2026

Russell D. “Russ” Hanson, age 92, of Cassopolis, Michigan, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Center for Hospice Care with his family by his side.

Born January 9, 1934, in South Bend, Indiana, Russ was the son of the late Harold and Alice (Muller) Hanson. He attended Riley High School before enlisting in the United States Army, proudly...

Ruth Hurst

Ruth Hurst

Mar 1, 2026

Ruth Ann Hurst (Zugel), age 83, of Mishawaka passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home March 1, 2026. She was born May 15, 1942, to John and Beatrice (Waldron) Zugel in Allegan MI and was 1 of 14 children. Ruth was a twin to her brother Andrew Zugel who preceded her in death, June of 2023. Ruth was also preceded...

Catherine "Cathy" Boggs

Catherine "Cathy" Boggs

Feb 20, 2026

Catherine “Cathy” Boggs, 57, bravely fought until her passing on Friday, February 20, 2026, at her home. She was born on December 3, 1968, in South Bend to the late Lester “Paul” and Joyce (Dowd) Boggs, and later married Ralph Nolen, who survives.

Surviving with Ralph, are their children, Sami Boggs of South Bend, Travis Nolen of Mishawaka, and Michael Nolen...

Katie Vaerewyck

Katie Vaerewyck

Feb 14, 2026

Katie Vaerewyck, 67, of Mishawaka bravely fought until her passing on Saturday, February 14, 2026. She was born on February 15, 1958, in Elkhart to the late Mike and Ruby (McNeil) Kasevic and later married her sweetheart, George Vaerewyck and celebrated nearly 35 years of marriage, before his passing in 2017.

Two stepsons survive, along with her sisters, Jennie Goodman of...

Geneva Philpot

Geneva Philpot

Feb 6, 2026

Geneva Philpot, age 85, passed away with her family by her side at her home in Mishawaka. Geneva was born August 24, 1940, in Tellico Plains, Tennessee to the late Manie and Maimie (Nediffer) Bell. She worked for over 60 years caring for others as a Nurse’s Aide.

She is survived by her children, Tiny “Red” Johnson of Mishawaka, Sandra Hogan...

Anne D. Cappert

Anne D. Cappert

Feb 5, 2026

Anne Delores Cappert, age 94, of South Bend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 5, 2026. Anne was born on July 19, 1931, in South Bend to the late Geza David and Helen (Voros) Yanko. She was a graduate of Riley High School and dedicated many years of service to Indiana University South Bend, where she worked in the Admissions...

Joan Irene Richard

Joan Irene Richard

Jan 28, 2026

Joan Irene Richard, age 88 of South Bend, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Memorial Hospital. The eleventh of twelve children, Joan was born on April 23, 1937, on her family’s farm in Bremen, Indiana, to the late Harry and Margaret (Dundon) Monhaut. She graduated from Madison High School and later earned her bachelor’s degree in education from...

Ronald "Ron" Steenbeke

Ronald "Ron" Steenbeke

Jan 28, 2026

Ronald “Ron” Steenbeke, 60, of Buchanan, MI unexpectedly passed at his home on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. He was born on October 17, 1965, to John and Linda (Micinski) Steenbeke. He met Lisa (Anderson) Gerndt in 2014 through mutual friends, and the two were married in 2020.

Lisa survives along with their children Aaron (Kimberlee) Steenbeke of Granger, Ashley (James) Hurstel...

Rosalie "Rose" Dennis

Rosalie "Rose" Dennis

Jan 19, 2026

Rosalie “Rose” Ann Dennis, 79, unexpectedly passed Monday, January 19, 2026, at Memorial Hospital. She was born in Dowagiac, MI on October 26, 1946, to the late Donald and Mary Joan (Luczyk) Gray.

Surviving are her children, Angela Griffin and Sharon Dennis, both of South Bend, and Steven Dennis of Granger; her siblings, Gloria (Randy) Dennis of Kalamazoo, MI, Dora (Richard)...

Joseph Victor Goeller

Joseph Victor Goeller

Jan 14, 2026

Joseph (Joe) Victor Goeller, a life-long Hoosier, passed away on January 12, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is survived by his sister, Patricia Ann Leslie of Mishawaka; brother, James Vincent Goeller of Hunting town, Maryland; cousin, Marie Ann (Joseph) Burt of Granger, Indiana; friend, Mary Frances Burt of Indianapolis, and his cousin, Sara Ellen Brown of Portland, Oregon.

Joe was born...

Robert Andrew Veschak

Robert Andrew Veschak

Jan 11, 2026

Robert Andrew Veschak, age 64, passed away peacefully at his home in Lakeville early on Sunday morning, January 11, 2026. Bob was born on February 14, 1961, in Chicago Heights, Illinois, to the late Daniel and Shirley (Kosowski) Veschak.

On August 8, 2013, he married Anette Mayfield, and together they shared over 17 yrs (12 years married) of friendship, love, laughter,...

Robert "Bob" S. Porch

Robert "Bob" S. Porch

Jan 4, 2026

Robert “Bob” S. Porch, 96, of Elkhart entered eternal rest on Sunday, January 4, 2026, with family by his side. He was born on April 7, 1929, in Chattanooga, TN to the late Samuel C. and Henrietta (Parks) Porch; he married Maxine Colombo Porch, who died in 1993, and later married Elaine (Armstrong) Larnard Porch in 2011.

Elaine survives along with...

Michael "Mike" DeBroka

Michael "Mike" DeBroka

Dec 19, 2025

Michael “Mike” DeBroka, 85, of Mishawaka entered heavenly rest on Friday, December 19, 2025. He was born on Dec. 11, 1940, to the late Michael J. and Margaret (Ganser) DeBroka and later married Marcia Anda, who survives.

Along with Marcia, their children, Amy (Mike) Hoy, Ryan, Matthew, and Todd DeBroka, all of South Bend survive, along with grandchildren, Brittany, Taylor, Trey,...

William "Bill" Montel

William "Bill" Montel

Dec 18, 2025

William “Bill” Montel, 58, of Winona Lake, passed away unexpectedly at his home. He was born on May 27, 1967 in South Bend to the late Robert L. Montel and surviving Sharon (Muldoon) Montel.

Sharon survives, along with his siblings, Robert (Jennifer) Montel of Cassopolis, MI, Joseph (Nancy) Montel of Westfield, IN, and Christoper Montel of Mishawaka, IN. Extended family of...

2025 Holiday Remembrance Service

2025 Holiday Remembrance Service

Dec 16, 2025

Welcome to the Annual Holiday Remembrance Service of Cruz Family Funeral Homes. We are grateful you have joined us as we come together to remember those who are not with us this holiday season and to honor the lives of those we hold dear. For those unable to attend in person, the service may be viewed in real time in...

Rosemary J Sterzik

Rosemary J Sterzik

Nov 29, 2025

Rosemary J. Sterzik, age 98 of South Bend, passed away on November 29, 2025. Rosemary was born May 31, 1927, in Mishawaka, Indiana to the late Clarence and Genevieve (Schmitt) Jones. She was a graduate of Mishawaka High School, class of 1946. On June 5, 1949, she married Jack A. Sterzik. They celebrated nearly 65 years of marriage before his...

Mary Ann Weber

Mary Ann Weber

Nov 28, 2025

Mary Ann Weber, age 97 of Mishawaka, went to be with the Lord on Friday, November 28, 2025. Mary Ann was born January 4, 1928, in Mishawaka, Indiana to the late Henry and Erna (Finkenbrink) Reschke. She was a graduate of Mishawaka High School, class of 1946, where she excelled in academics, graduating 4th in her class. On June 24,...

Larry J DeBaets

Larry J DeBaets

Nov 27, 2025

Larry J. DeBaets, age 77 of South Bend, passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2025, with his family at his side. He was born on December 27, 1947, in Mishawaka, Indiana. Larry attended Mishawaka High School and later joined the United States Army Reserves, where he served his country with honor. He went on to work for TRANSPO for more...