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Robert N. De Graff
Sept. 29. 1931 - Nov. 3, 2008
SOUTH BEND - Surrounded by his loving wife and children, Bob De Graff, 77, died on Monday, November 3, after a courageous battle with cancer. A life - long resident of South Bend, Bob was born on September 29, 1931, the middle son of Oreal and Carmel (Hartford) De Graff. He attended St. Joseph Grade School and Central Catholic High. On January 29, 1955 he married the love of his life, Eleanor Van Overberghe. "THIS, I WILL REMEMBER, WHEN THE REST OF LIFE IS THROUGH: THE FINEST THING I'VE EVER DONE IS SIMPLY LOVING YOU." Bob proudly served his country in the Korean War. He also bravely served the City of South Bend as a Firefighter for 20 years. After retirement he opened The Pretzel Palace, a hot dog stand in downtown South Bend. Later, this restaurant moved into a store front beside the State Theatre and became Diggie's Hot Dogs and More. Bob and his wife also owned a second restaurant in downtown South Bend called The Lunch Box. His outgoing personality made friends fast and he knew virtually every business person that worked in downtown South Bend, for which his children dubbed him the unofficial mayor of South Bend. After owning and operating these downtown favorites for 20 years, Bob retired. He is survived by his wife of 53 years and his four children, of whom he was exceedingly proud: Michael N. (Tamar) of Monroe, Washington; Renee C. of Springboro, Ohio; Andrea G. of South Bend; and Martin T. (Julie) of Lexington, Kentucky. "MY FATHER DIDN'T TELL ME HOW TO LIVE; HE LIVED AND LET ME WATCH HIM DO IT." He is also survived by four grandchildren whom he adored: Malchijah (Monroe); and Zachary, Maxwell and Matthys (Lexington) De Graff. Additionally, two brothers survive Bob: Richard A. of Lisle, Illinois and William O. of Woodbury, Connecticut. Preceding him in death were his parents and an infant son, Robert N. De Graff, Jr. Bob was a faithful fan and spectator at his childrens' various events and athletic contests and thus, spent a lot of time on bleachers. He was a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus and a die - hard fan of the University of Notre Dame and the Chicago Cubs. Bob also served as an usher at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Bob maintained his iron will, sharp wit and clever sense of humor until the end. He will be missed dearly by his wife, children, extended family and numerous friends. Visitation will be today from 2 to 4 & 5 to 8 pm at McGann Hay Funerals | Cremations | Gatherings, Granger Chapel, 13260 SR 23 (enter off Cherry Rd.), where the Rosary will be prayed at 3:00 pm. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at St. Anthony's de Padua Church, 2120 E. Jefferson Blvd. at Ironwood at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Notre Dame. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bob's name to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, 46637.
Bowmar, Alice M.
Nov. 17, 1923 - Nov. 2, 2008
NEW CARLISLE - Alice M. Bowmar, 84, died Nov. 2. Surviving are two nieces, Myrna L. (Gerald) Harder of LaPorte, IN, and Johna L. (Arthur L.) Horvath of Mishawaka; and one nephew, Edward A. (Judy) Bowmar of Union Mills, IN. A memorial service will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28 in Hamilton Grove, New Carlisle. Contributions may be made to United Cerebral Palsy, 1660 L Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036, or the Salem United Church of Christ, 302 S. Main, Wanatah, IN 46390; or to the donor's choice.
Gerald S. Wilder
March 31, 1931 - Oct. 29, 2008
MISHAWAKA - Gerald S. Wilder, better known as Jerry, of Mishawaka, went home with the Lord on October 29, 2008 at the W.J. Riley Hospice Home in Munster, IN., following a lengthy battle with cancer. He will be missed by many. Jerry was born March 31, 1931 in South Bend, Indiana to Armel and Hazel (Hall) Wilder, who preceded him in death. Also preceding was his beloved son Jeffery; a brother; and three sisters. He is survived by his daughters Cindy (John) Laughlin, of Rapid City South Dakota, and Julie (Larry) Gephart of Lansing, Illinois; a daughter - in - law; eight grandchildren; 11 great - grandchildren; and a sister. Jerry was a life long South Bend/Mishawaka resident attending schools in the Washington and Clay district, and finished his education in 1949. He participated in many school clubs, groups and was active in sports. Jerry was a familiar friendly face as he worked for different employers including Ball Band, and Commonwealth Insurance Company. He retired in 1996 after nearly 20 years in the automobile business at several area dealerships as salesman, sales manager and financial officer. He received many achievement awards. Being active in many social and fraternal organizations he was most involved as a member of the Mishawaka Fraternal Eagles #2083. There he served as Trustee, bartender and cook, often all at once. Arrangements are being handled by McGann Hay, with a private internment at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park. Abiding by Jerry's specific wishes, no memorial or any service will be held. A luncheon and celebration of his life will be held at the Eagles of Mishawaka on Saturday, November 22. 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Friends my remember him by contributions to Hospice of the Calumet Area, 600 Superior Avenue, Munster,IN. 46321.
Henrietta A. Gallagher
October 10, 1923 - October 27, 2008
SOUTH BEND - Henrietta Antoinette Gallagher, 85, of South Bend, IN, passed away on October 27, 2008 after a long and valiant battle with cancer.
Born October 10, 1923 in South Bend, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Antoinette (Gapinski) Kopczynski. She attended Central High School, and other than following her husband to Southern California while he was stationed as a marine at Camp Pendleton, spent her entire life in South Bend – except of course, for her recent warm winters at Tidevue Estates in Ellenton, FL.
On June 8, 1946, she married the love of her life, Edward R. Gallagher, an alumni of the fabled Notre Dame Class of ‘44. They were married in Holy Cross Church, on Wilbur Street, and later renewed their vows in the Log Chapel at Notre Dame - twice. He preceded her in death in 1999, along with her beloved son, Michael R. Gallagher, who passed in 1998.
Henrietta is survived by her loving son, Patrick S. Gallagher of Stonington, CT, and New York, NY; two brothers, Henry and James Kopczynski, both of South Bend; her beloved sister, Dorothy (Mrs. Stuard) Parks of West Virginia and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Gallagher was actively involved in the St. Joseph’s Hospital Women’s Auxiliary and the Christ Child Society – she personally sewed and painted 1,300 “Pinkie Puppies” that were given to the children in the hospital. After her husband passed, she took over his job as treasurer, and became the defacto treasurer of Notre Dame’s Class of ‘44, organizing the annual football weekend Class of ’44 reunion. Henrietta kept herself active her entire lifetime – working in the furniture department of Robertson’s, sewing all of her own clothes, quilting unique bedcovers, traveling with her husband to China, Yugoslavia, Europe and throughout the United States and until recently, tap dancing.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame on Thursday, October 30 at 3:30 p.m. Friends may call beforehand from 1 to 3 p.m. on that Thursday, at the McGann Hay, Forest G. Hay Chapel, 435 South Ironwood Drive, South Bend, and join in the procession to the Basilica.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Christ Child Society, 308 South Scott Street, South Bend, IN 46601 or the Holy Cross Village Foundation, 54515 State Road, 933, P.O. Box 706, Notre Dame, IN 46556.
Lippelt, Isabel Marie
Mar. 25, 1915 - Oct. 22, 2008
SOUTH BEND - Isabel Marie Lippelt, 93, passed away October 22, 2008. Born March 25, 1915, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Katherine Deppe. She is survived by her granddaughter, Jennifer (Lippelt) (husband, Edward) Riddle and great granddaughter, Ava Lippelt, both of South Bend; former daughter - in - law, Diana Lippelt of Mishawaka; and two nephews, Michael Deppe of Lake Station and John Deppe of the Indianapolis area. A memorial service will be held on Friday at 1 p.m. in the McGann Hay, University Chapel, Edison Rd. Cremation has taken place.
Gizella M. Paradich
October 22, 1916 - October 24, 2008
SOUTH BEND - Mrs. Gizella Marie Paradich, 92, of South Bend passed away in her residence Friday at 8:30pm.
She was born on October 22, 1916 in South Bend to the late Michael and Rose (Horvath) Zakocs. On February 10, 1940 Gizella married John Ernie Paradic, Sr. and he died in 1972.
She is survived by her son John E. Paradic, Jr. and his wife Debbie of South Bend, and six step - grandchildren: Candy, April, Amy, Lisa, Stephen and William as well as 25 step - great - grandchildren.
There will be no services and cremation is be handled by McGann Hay | Funerals | Cremations | Gatherings, Forest G. Hay Chapel, 435 S. Ironwood Dr. at Jefferson, South Bend, IN 46615. In lieu of flowers the family askes that donations in her memory be made to the funeral home to help defray expenses.
Ruth M. Rupley
November 22, 1920 - October 20, 2008
MISHAWAKA - Ruth passed peacefully at Hospice House in Roseland, IN, after a three - year struggle with lung and heart disease.
Prior to her death she was always on the go in her Chevy Blazer, looking after household chores, and just staying busy. She and her husband, Francis, married on May 23, 1940 and for 20+ years owned and operated Club 33 in Osceola - a nightclub with live country and western bands six nights a week. She also worked in her later years as secretary to the chair of the Geology Department at the University of Notre Dame.
Her only sibling is Jean Palmer who lives in Palos Park, IL. Her deceased parents were Charles L. Benson and Ila (McDivitte) Benson. She and Francis had two children who continue to live here in Mishawaka: Dr. Michael L. Rupley, a psychologist in Mishawaka, and her son Charles A. Rupley a self - employed wholesaler and landlord. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Michael L. Rupley, Jr. of Mishawaka; Cheryl Sweeney of Bloomington, IN; Laura Ivers of Syracuse, NY; and Sara Rupley of Chicago, IL. Four of her 10 great grandchildren live in Mishawaka, two live in Bloomington, three in Syracuse, NY and the remaining granddaughter in Chicago. There were many fond memories of family get - togethers and good times at her and Francis' cottage at Diamond Lake in Cassopolis, Mi.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 pm, Thursday, October 23 at McGann Hay Funerals | Cremations | Gatherings, Granher Chapel, 13260 SR 23 (enter off Cherry Rd.), and one hour before the Mass of the Christian Burial Rite which will be celebrated at St. Pius X Catholic Church on Fir Rd., Mass begins at Noon on Friday, October 24 followed by the procession to St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 Fir Rd., Granger, IN, 46530.
Audrey V. Prater
December 31, 1928 - October 18, 2008
MISHAWAKA - Audrey Virginia Prater, 79, of Mishawaka, passed away Saturday in Hospice House.
Mrs. Prater was born in Corning, AR, on December 31, 1928 to the late Luther and Martha (Weaver) Case. She raised three children that survive: Audrey L. Butcher of South Bend, Paula D. (Ronald) Bennett of Wheatfield, IN and John C. (Linda) McGill, III of Norman, OK. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, including her caregiver LaTasha (Jeffrey,II) Bosse of Granger; two great - grandchildren; two sisters: Sylvia and Julie; two brothers: Sterling and Bill.
Having lived most of her life in Hammond, IN she moved to this area in May of 1999 from Oklahoma.
Her life will be remembered and celebrated on Saturday, October 25, at 3:00pm in the home of her granddaughter LaTasha Bosse at 53261 Spring Ct., Granger, (in the Oakbrook Springs Subdivision off Ash Rd. Near Cleveland) where friends may gather one hour prior to the service. Pastor Paul Wallace will officiate.
Memorial donations may be made in Audrey’s memory to Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, IN 46637.
