Submitted by: Mary Jo Koran

SBT - Apr 25, 2006

Louis Bamber

July 23, 1911 - April 23, 2006

Louis Bamber, 94, of Angela Boulevard, passed away after a brief illness at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 23, 2006, in Regency Place.

Born in South Bend on July 23, 1911, Louis was the second of four sons to Joseph and Rose (Cammorona) Bamber. His brother, James Bamber, died on August 16, 1997, and brother, John Bamber, on January 3, 1999. Also predeceasing him were his nephews, Butch and P.J. Bamber.

He is survived by his youngest brother, Bill Bamber. Also surviving his brother Bill are his sister-in-law, Josie Bamber of the Sunny Italy; nieces, “Sis” Elliot (Web) of the Sunny Italy and Nancy Ann Hague (Mike) of Carmel, IN; nephews, Dennis Bamber (Gini) of the Woodwind and Brasswind, Bill Bamber Jr. of Mishawaka, IN, John Bamber Jr. (Linda) of South Bend and Gene Bamber (Gini) of Bamber's Superette Food Market, South Bend, IN.

On June 17, 1939, Louie married Virginia in Our Lady of Hungary Church in South Bend. She preceded him in death on March 25, 1995. At the age of 16, in 1927, Mr. Bamber joined the National Guard and was stationed at what was then called Camp Knox (Fort Knox) in Kentucky until 1930.

An avid music buff, Louie was a member of the Studebaker Chorus 1957-1964, the Elks Chorus 1964-1972, and the Michiana Chorus 1973-1990. Louie was an elected delegate to the State of Indiana Convention of the Democratic Party, St. Joe County in June 1974. He was also an associate member of the Fraternal Order of Police since 1971, the Indiana Sheriff's Association, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and was a member of the Humane Society of St. Joe County.

He was employed by the Studebaker Corp. until it closed in 1964 and then worked for A.M. General Corp. as an inspector until his retirement in 1978. At that time he began his next career at Bamber Superette Food Market where all the employees and customers would come to know him as "Uncle Louie." Working six days a week up until the time of his stroke, Uncle Louie's passion for helping and pleasing others will be missed by all. He was, indeed, an uncle to everyone.

The family would like to thank Linda and Jessica Bamber and the nurses at Regency Place for making Louie's brief stay as comfortable as possible.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2006, in the McGann Hay, University Chapel, 2313 E. Edison Road. The funeral will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2006, at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pet Refuge, 2300 W. 6th Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544; or to the Humane Society of St. Joe County, 2506 Grape Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545.