Submitted by:  Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 8/7/2000

William F. Adelsperger, jr

Oct. 30, 1928 - Aug. 5, 2000

William F. "Bill" Adelsperger Jr., 71, of Petro Drive, Mishawaka, Ind., passed away on Saturday morning, Aug. 5, in his home. He will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, brother, friend and neighbor.

Bill was born on Oct. 30, 1928, in South Bend, Ind., to William F. Adelsperger Sr. and Elizabeth (Kelly) Adelsperger, and lived in the South Bend area his entire life. On Feb. 15, 1958, in South Bend, he married Betty Abbot, who preceded him in death in 1994.

He is survived by four daughters, Carol (Arden) Daugherty of South Bend, Kelly and Kathy Adelsperger, both of Granger, Ind., and Kerry (David) Stephens of New Carlisle, Ind.; two granddaughters, Shawn (John) Day of Mishawaka and Erin (Robert) Dombrowski of South Bend; a great-granddaughter, Cory Day; two great-grandsons, Derek and Patrick Day, all of Mishawaka; two sisters, Elizabeth Murray of Cortland, N.Y., and Jane Dwyer of Lawrence, Mich.; and by five nieces and five nephews.

Bill served in the United States Navy during the Korean War from 1951- 1953. He joined the South Bend Police Department on April 5, 1954. For many years he patrolled the River Park area on his three-wheeled Harley Davidson motorcycle, where he made many lifelong friends. On April 14, 1984, Bill retired as a detective sergeant. He also worked for the South Bend Community School Corporation as a para-professional at Jefferson Elementary School and John Adams High School for many years. Most recently he worked with his loyal and good friends at Bill's City Wide Towing. Bill was a member of FOP Lodge 36 and American Legion Post 50.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. on Monday in the HICKEY Funeral Home, 17131 Cleveland Road. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday in St. Bavo's Catholic Church, Mishawaka, with Rev. James Shafer, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.

We'll miss you, Dad.