Obituaries

Jan 13, 2024

Jesus B. “Jesse” Vasquez, age 64 of Plymouth, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2024, with his family by his side.  Jesse was born October 20, 1959, in Plymouth, Indiana to the late Pedro and Guadalupe (Ramirez) Vasquez.  He attended Plymouth High School and later worked for many years in the Michiana area as a welder. His work...

Jan 9, 2024

A beautiful soul departed this earth on January 9, 2024.  Janice Marilyn (Ward) Petty, 86, was born on her aunt’s farm in Nappanee, Indiana, on November 5, 1937, to Paul and Mabel Ward.  Family who preceded her in passing include her parents and siblings Kenneth Ward and Karen Strang.   Surviving siblings are Roger Ward, Pam Fershin, Marsha Reed, and...

Dec 27, 2023

Richard “Dick” Lee Willson, 87, died peacefully December 27, 2023, in St. Paul, MN.

Dick was born the eldest of two children to Milo and Angeline Koellen Willson in Baraboo, WI, on February 17, 1936. He was raised in Rockford, IL, where he attended Rockford West High School and played baseball and football. Throughout his childhood and...

Dec 17, 2023

As we gather together during this season of reflection and remembrance, the Cruz Family and our staff extend a heartfelt welcome to our Holiday Remembrance Service. This special occasion is a time to honor and celebrate the lives of those we hold dear, cherishing the memories that bring warmth to our hearts.

In the spirit of unity...

Dec 14, 2023

Daniel Walter Wojciechowski Jr., age 73 of Mishawaka, passed from his earthly life on Thursday morning, December 14, 2023. He had been brought home with the help of Heartland Hospice on Monday to spend his last days with his wife and family.

Dan was born October 20, 1950, to Geraldine Arpasi and Daniel Walter Wojciechowski, Sr. in...

Nov 25, 2023

Lois Y. Gherardi, 83, of Mishawaka, Indiana passed peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, November 25, 2023. She was born in Evergreen Park, IL on July 10, 1940, to the late Primo and Minerva “Minnie” (Olenti) Gherardi.

Surviving are her two children, John Jay (Catherine) McVay and Heath (Michelle) McVay, both of LaPorte, seven...

Nov 21, 2023

James Robert “Jim” Rist, age 65, passed away at his home in South Bend on November 21, 2023. Jim was born July 16, 1958, in Cincinnati, Ohio to Robert James and Shirley Ann (Schneider) Rist.  Following his high school graduation, Jim studied at Ivy Tech where he obtained his training as a welder.  He was employed for several years...

Nov 20, 2023

Michael Joseph DeWinter, age 72 of Mishawaka, passed away peacefully with his wife Anne by his side in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center on Monday, November 20, 2023. Born June 21, 1951, in Mishawaka to the late August and Marguerite (Brown) DeWinter, he had a life characterized by dedication to family, his love for music, and a strong faith....

Nov 15, 2023

Robert Lee “Rob” Botham, age 46, passed away with his family by his side at his home in South Bend on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. Rob was born April 8, 1977, in Everett, Washington.  Following his graduation from Concrete High School in Washington, Rob heard the call of his country and enlisted in the United States Air Force where...

Nov 6, 2023

Cloyd G. “Casey” Case, 82, of Mishawaka passed away peacefully after a long battle with COPD on Monday, November 6, 2023.

He was born on August 31, 1941, in Jewett, Ohio and was the son of the late Edward and Osa (Smith) Case. Cloyd was preceded in death by his daughter Elizabeth (Case) Watson, three sisters and...

Oct 24, 2023

John Arthur “Jack” Skevington Jr., age 81 of Mishawaka, passed away at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center on October 24, 2023.  Jack was born May 12, 1942, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late John A. and Geraldine (Carr) Skevington Sr. He was a graduate of Fort Wayne Central Catholic High School and continued his education at Indiana University,...

Oct 21, 2023

Roberta J. ‘Bobbi” Lippens, age 76 of Mishawaka, went to her heavenly home on October 21, 2023.  Bobbi was born November 15, 1946, in South Bend to the late Robert and Mildred (Kruzyinski) Banach.  She was a graduate of St. Joseph High School and was employed for many years as the manager of University Park Apartments.

She...

Oct 19, 2023

Terry Lee Gates, our beloved husband, Dad, and Papa entered into eternal life on October 19, 2023. Terry was born in Mishawaka to Anne and Larry Gates on June 26, 1950. After graduating from Mishawaka High School, Terry enlisted in the Army and proudly served his country for three years including a year of service in Vietnam from 1969-1970....

Oct 18, 2023

Jon Andrew “Andy” Thompson, age 61, passed away at his home in Edwardsburg, Michigan, with his family by his side on the morning of October 18, 2023.  Andy was born December 27, 1961, to the late Jon Philip Thompson and Mary (Cook) LaShure.  Following his high school graduation, Andy attended Ball State University. He later took a position as...

Oct 11, 2023

Nichlas "Donny" Fisher (Hardin) Jr., also known as Nick, age 22 of Elkhart, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of joy, laughter, and exceptional talent. Donnie was born May 13, 2001, in East Chicago, Illinois.  Later, his family moved to the Elkhart area, and he graduated from Elkhart Central High School. He later...

Oct 10, 2023

Shirley Ann Papay, 91, of Mishawaka entered into heavenly rest with her beloved daughter by her side, on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. She was born in South Bend on April 18, 1932, to the late Ken Harlow and Nellie (Waldow) Colbert.

Surviving is a daughter, RaeAnn Callahan, of Mishawaka, along with six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, a brother,...

Sep 29, 2023

Paul Pignone, 83, of Mishawaka, entered into heavenly rest Friday evening, September 29, 2023, surrounded by his family. Paul was born in Mazara Del Valo, Sicily on August 23, 1940, to the late Rocco and Jacqueline (Sciarrino) Pignone and moved to Indiana when he was 15. It was there that he met the love of his life, Mary L....

Sep 26, 2023

Elizabeth “Liz” M. Rill, age 104, formerly of Rockford, Michigan, and Mishawaka, Indiana, passed away Tuesday. September 26, 2023, at her home in Ocala, Florida. Liz was born July 15, 1919, in Mishawaka, Indiana to the late Williard and Clara (Maxwell) Dittman.  Following her graduation from Mishawaka High School, Liz attended Indiana Normal College. Liz married Joseph Rill who...

Sep 26, 2023

Barbara R. Hoffman, age 94, passed away on September 26, 2023, at Hellenic Senior Living Center in Mishawaka.  Barb was born April 9, 1929, in South Bend, Indiana to the late Charles and Gertrude (Palmer) Bickel and was a graduate of Mishawaka High School, class of 1947.  On December 23, 1949, she married Russell Hoffman.  In 1976, the Hoffmans...

Sep 25, 2023

Francis L. “Fred” Hirl, age 83 of Granger, passed away on September 25, 2023. Fred was born February 27, 1940, in Mishawaka, Indiana to the late Joseph and Marie (Schumacher) Hirl.  On September 11, 1971, in Mishawaka, Indiana, Fred married the former Ms. Carolyn Murphy.  Carolyn proceeded him in death on February 27, 2023. Fred is survived by his...