Submitted by: Dan Rich

Libero Artusi

March 15, 1917 - April 4, 2001

South Bend Tribune 4/5/2001

Libero "Lab" Artusi, 84, of West 11th Street, Mishawaka, Ind., passed away at 2:38 a.m. early Wednesday morning, April 4, in Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend, Ind.

Mr. Artusi was born on March 15, 1917, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, as the son of the late Leo and Adele (Conti) Artusi. He was also preceded in death by a son, Jerry Artusi on Aug. 5, 1968; and by three brothers, Edward Artusi, Rene Artusi and Ray Artusi.

On Aug. 30, 1941, in New Haven, Ind., he married the former Clara Nieuwlandt. Mr. Artusi is survived his wife of 59 years, Clara; a son, Steve (Sue) Artusi of Mishawaka; two granddaughters, Jennifer (Dave) Haughs of Indianapolis, Ind., and Stephanie Artusi of Colorado Springs, Colo.; three sisters, Annie Young, Louise Miller, both of Mishawaka, and Alice McCrea of New Haven; and by a brother, Guido Artusi of Mishawaka.

Mr. Artusi was employed as a firefighter for the Mishawaka Fire Department for 21 years and retired in 1969. He was also employed by Mishawaka Utilities for 10 years and retired in 1979.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka, as well as a member of the De Amici's Club, Mishawaka. Mr. Artusi was well-known for his gardening and he was especially proud of the tomatoes which he grew.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 6th, in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 West 8th Street, Mishawaka, where a Rosary will be recited at 3 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 7th, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka, with Rev. Robert Yast officiating.

Entombment will follow at Fairview Cemetery Mausoleum, Mishawaka.